FIA accepts Porsche as a Formula E manufacturer

Porsche will develop its own powertrain for Formula E, which would be reflected in its upcoming road going models such as the e-tron GT.

By Autocar Professional Bureau

12 Apr 2018

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Racing car, 2018, Porsche AG

Porsche had announced at the end of July 2017 that they would be competing in the sixth season of FIA Formula E, the global electric racing series, by the end of 2019.

Porsche’s Fritz Enzinger, Vice President, in charge of the Formula E Programme said,“It is due to FIA and Alejandro Agag that we will be able to compete on the race track against many of the world’s largest car manufacturers.”

After the successful Le Mans Prototype 919 Hybrid project, Andreas Seidl will be responsible for the technical development and the execution of the Formula E programme. “The possibilities and performance of electric cars have been a central topic at Porsche for quite a while,” Seidl points out. “We can’t wait to receive our first vehicle in early 2019 and to test our own powertrain in it. The Gen2 racer, which was unveiled by Formula E in Geneva in early March, is very well executed.”

FIA delivers the chassis, competitors develop the powertrain

Formula E will provide the chassis as well as the battery. All powertrain components, however, are the competitors’ own developments. This enables Porsche to find bespoke solutions for key technologies such as the electric motor, inverter, brake-by-wire system, transmission, differential, driveshafts, monocoque and the suspension components attached to the rear axle, as well as the cooling system and ECU. The energy efficiency of the powertrain not only plays a decisive role in a competition attracting many of the world’s most renowned car manufacturers, but it is also central to the development of road-going electric vehicles.

Porsche’s entry into Formula E in 2019 will coincide with the market launch of the production version of its concept 'Mission E'. This vehicle, the first all-electric Porsche, will be one of the most sports-focused and technologically-advanced car in its class. Porsche will invest more than six billion Euros (Rs 48,390 crore) in electric mobility before the end of 2022.

Also Read: Audi to launch e-tron GT as Tesla Model S rival