Formula E has emerged as its own racing series, with neck-and-neck racing, ever-changing strategies and ingenious technological elements. Today we look at all the technological elements of the sport that make it unique.
Energy Management
Why is it needed?
Unlike other racing formats, Formula E does not have pitstops, and all teams use the same tyre. Thus, the difference between winning and losing often lies in the team’s energy management. Drivers start each race with 52 kWh of usable energy in their battery, from a total of 54 kWh. Energy management becomes critical in Formula E as teams and drivers wish to maximise the car’s potential while not going above the 52 kWh limit and getting penalised. A frequent occurrence is the addition of laps, mainly for races that get red-flagged midway. As the number of laps increases, the energy needs to be managed more efficiently to ensure the power output does not decline later in the race, closer to the finish. Teams manage their energy outputs in defining and unique ways to Formula E; one of the most prominent is regenerative braking.
Regenerative Braking
Why is it needed?
Since each car needs to remain under the 52 kWh power threshold, it is necessary to conserve and delegate energy use. Drivers aim to strike a balance between pushing the car to its limits at full throttle and braking to bring back energy and charge the battery.
How it works
A car’s motor generates alternating currents in the copper wires of the stator, which causes the rotor at the centre to spin. This spin accelerates the car and pushes it forward. In Formula E, this motor also behaves as a generator, allowing the exact opposite process to occur. During braking, the wheels continue to spin while slowing down. If we allow the wheel to turn the rotor in the opposite direction, it generates a current in the opposite direction, pushing energy back into the battery.
The amount of recuperation depends on the input of the driver. Drivers can activate recuperation using their steering wheel. Greater use of the system means more significant recuperation, meaning a lesser loss of energy and a longer drive.
While these are the technological elements we notice frequently, there are also standout aspects of technology that exist behind the scenes and take the series to greater heights.
The entire race set-up and car charging happens in a mix of 3 ways: using a proprietary Aquafuel, electricity from the grid and solar power. The most intriguing of these is the fuel used.
Aquafuel
Aquafuel is a non-toxic, entirely clean fuel of glycerine that releases zero emissions. The fuel provides more energy than other racing fuels like diesel or petrol and releases less carbon dioxide. A standard diesel generator can be modified to utilise Aquafuel, meaning that minor changes in the existing infrastructure can revolutionise the industry.
It is no surprise that Formula E is the torch bearer of racing for the future. In only its third generation of cars, the series has taken huge steps to fulfil its promise to promote electric car ownership. With popularity increasing and further advancements in science, there is truly no stopping their vision of clean racing.
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