FIA Formula E has just revealed the second-generation electric racecar. It will be the series' new racer starting with the 2018-2019 season and go further faster and more safely.
The new car has double the battery storage and double the range of the existing car. That means that the second gen car won't need the mid-race car swap that slows the series now.
The extra energy storage means that the cars will be capable of higher speeds as well as make more power. We'll have to wait until the car is physically revealed on March 6th in Geneva to find out just how much more. Expect the new chassis and aerodynamic changes to combine with the extra power to make the cars quicker and make lap times drop.
"This car represents the future of racing," said Formula E Founder and CEO Alejandro Agag. "When we started Formula E, our goal was to break the mould and challenge the status quo - bringing a revolution to motorsport. This next generation car represents that revolution."
The new car looks as futuristic as an electric racer should. It's the first racer to be designed by the FIA. The previous car was a chassis designed by longtime open-wheel racecar designers Dallara. The new car incorporates the FIA's new halo safety shield over the cockpit that has been extremely controversial in Formula 1.
"I’m very proud that the FIA has been at the forefront of this car’s development, it’s something new for the Federation, and the project has been a huge success," said the FIA President Jean Todt.
The new car will make its first physical appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and the first race of the 2019-2019 season. That first race date isn't yet set, but based on past seasons expect it to be in late November or early December.
