Electric car racing Formula E

[JB400]

Didn't know if everyone knew about this or not.  Pulled from their website: 
http://www.fiaformulae.com/guide/event-format


The 2014/2015 FIA Formula E Championship, the world's first fully-electric racing series, will be contested over 10 rounds taking place on street circuits around the globe. All rounds will be one-day events with practice, qualifying and the race taking place in a single day in order to reduce costs and minimise disruption to the host city.

Practice

All events will open with a one-hour practice session giving drivers their first experience of the circuit. They will have up to two cars available to them giving them the option to change cars should they wish. Full power (200kw / 270bhp) will be available throughout.

Qualifying

The qualifying session is a straight fight for the fastest laptime and determines the order for the day's race. Drivers will only be able to use one car and have a maximum of four laps - two timed laps plus and out and an in lap - in order to set their fastest time. Cars will take to the track in stages in order to avoid congestion with the running order being chosen by the driver who sets the quickest time in practice. Full power (200kw / 270bhp) will be available throughout.

Race

Races will begin by standing start and last for approximately one hour with drivers making two mandatory pit stops in order to change cars. Engines will be restricted to power saving mode (133kw / 180bhp) but can be temporarily increased to maximum power (200kw / 270bhp) by using the 'Push-to-Pass' boost system.

Championship

The FIA Formula E Championship will consist of both a drivers and a teams' championship. A driver's end of season total is made up of his/her best results less two. A team's total is made up of all its results from the season.

Pit stops/Car changes

During races, drivers must make two mandatory pit stops in order to change cars. This must take place in their box and be observed by an FIA steward to ensure all safety equipment is correctly applied. Tyre changes, unless a puncture, are not permitted during this pit stop.

Push-to-Pass

During races only, drivers will be able to use a pre-determined number of power boosts to aid overtaking. This will increase the car's power output from 133kw (180bhp) to 200Kw (270bhp) for a limited period of time.

[JB400]

A little info on one of the cars:  http://www.fiaformulae.com/guide/car



The Spark-Renault SRT-01E is the first car to be homologated by the FIA. Using the very latest technology, the zero emission SRT_01E aims to stretch the boundaries of what is currently achievable in electric motorsport, whilst ensuring a balance between cost-effectiveness and sustainability, in addition to coping with the demands of racing entirely on street circuits.

It has been built by new French company Spark Racing Technology, led by the renowned Frédéric Vasseur, together with a consortium of some of the leading companies in motorsport. Italian firm Dallara, who boast more than 40 years' motorsport experience, have constructed the monocoque chassis, aerodynamically designed to aid overtaking. Made from carbon fibre and aluminium, the chassis is both super lightweight and incredibly strong and fully complies with the 2014 FIA crash tests - the same used to regulate Formula One.

Providing the electric powertrain and electronics is McLaren Electronics Systems, the world leader in high-performance technology for motorsport. Meanwhile, Williams Advanced Engineering, part of the Williams group of companies that includes the world famous Williams F1 Team, will supply the batteries producing 200kw, the equivalent of 270bhp. This will be linked to a paddle shift sequential gearbox, supplied by Hewland, with fixed ratios to help reduce costs further.

Overseeing all the systems integration will be the Championship's Technical Partner Renault, a leader of electric vehicles and an expert in motorsport thanks to its Renault Sport Technologies and Renault Sport F1 programmes. Specially designed 18" treaded tyres will be supplied by Official Tyre Partner Michelin, capable of providing optimum performance in both wet and dry conditions.
 

[Ghoste]

 

[JB400]

I'll give it a try, but it will be different not hearing the sound of screaming engines.  I'm sure the acceleration will be quick, but I don't like the fact that they're limiting how much electricity these cars are making.  They aren't letting them get the full 270hp at all times.  Letting teams switch cars during the race doesn't seem right either.

It'll be different for sure.  It'll give a nice perspective on where electric car technology is at the moment.

[Ghoste]

Yeah, I don't what I think yet.

[JB400]

Only positive I see is more cities that have noise restrictions will be able to host an event.  It might not be in the FIA's interest, but might lay the groundwork for other sanctioning bodies to start up and spread electric car racing once they have a format put together that works.

[Fred]

Car races without noise?  Now that is tragic!

[ws23rt]

Car races without noise?  Now that is tragic!

Maybe Maxim can give us the sounds we like?  My preference is the sound of a locomotive. (they are electric drive)

[flyinlow]

I raced electric cars when I was a kid. I think they where made by Tyco. 

So if you race electric cars , do environmentalist's like you and want to go to the race with you?

[Ghoste]

I'm betting no.

[Fred]

Car races without noise?  Now that is tragic!

Maybe Maxim can give us the sounds we like?  My preference is the sound of a locomotive. (they are electric drive)

But is blowing your own trumpet as good as a revving engine?

[ws23rt]

Car races without noise?  Now that is tragic!

Maybe Maxim can give us the sounds we like?  My preference is the sound of a locomotive. (they are electric drive)

But is blowing your own trumpet as good as a revving engine?

Not the same    

[ws23rt]

I see much in the future for racing electric cars.

The best ones will be the first ones. Than will come the restrictions that make them all the same and the glow will fade.

Would be fun to be a teen street racer in the country towns till mom the gov put the hammer down

Hmm could one get a jump start from a wind turbine?

[Mytur Binsdirti]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHbXxV1PKic

[Fred]

I see much in the future for racing electric cars.

Aaah, so that's where my crystal ball went.