Formula E was created as a green alternative to Formula 1 and is an FIA approved sport. Similar to F1, the race globe trots to various big cities and ended its second season last weekend in London.
The event was held in Battersea Park, Southwest London, in the shadow of the famed Battersea Power Station. Formula E has only been going for two years and yet this race managed to attract over 42 thousand people. The popularity has made Formula E rethink its locations next year, and it will move the London race to a street circuit located in the city.
Battersea’s last showing did not disappoint though with a crash in the first lap! Rivals for the world title Lucas Di Grassi and Sebastien Buemi clashed smashing their cars, having to return to the pits to re-join the race in spare cars. Buemi came out on top though and claimed the title for the season. Di Grassi was gracious in defeat “Congratulations to Sebastien. He’s a strong racing driver and no doubt a deserving Formula E champion,”.
The search for the next electric driving champ starts again in Hong Kong, which along with New York, Brussels, Montreal and Marrakech will be added to the 2017 season showing the global appetite for this futuristic racing.
Even the big giants or manufacturers are seeing the potential and while Renault are already heavily involved in the building of the cars, all the teams are unrelated to manufacturers. That is set to change with BMW and Nissan looking to get involved, viewing it as a good opportunity to expand their racing divisions.
Signs (Cars) of the Times
As expected in a top level race involving all electric cars the technology used is at the pinnacle of the times, and showcases where electric cars are and what they are capable of in 2016. The first season saw standard cars given to all the teams, made by Spark Racing Technology.
The company used the electric engine from a Mclaren P1 hyper car which was known for its unique combination of a combustion engine and an electric. In the second season just gone the teams were given more freedom, building their own drivetrains and pushing the limits of what an electric engine can do.
Cars in Formula E can do 0-62mph in just 3 seconds with a maximum speed of 140mph. The electric engine, unlike the normal petrol engine, can give instant torque. This means the driver has access to all the power at any one time and when asked for it it is instant. This is unlike a regular engine which will have a delay as the fuel is consumed and burned before the engine can respond.
While many may think that the races would be a silent affair, the decibels of 80 is actually 10 more than a regular domestic car. Even the pits have become green and efficient with the generators charging the cars powered with the bio-fuel glycerine.
The Future of Transportation
Formula E represents yet another step towards the future of travel. Motorsport often translates its technology into the domestic market so with Nissan and BMW getting involved it could mean good things for us regular joes.
Meanwhile another impact of the sport could be on F1, which is in Hungary next month. It liked to claim that it was the sport of jet setting and star drivers, but with new locations being added and a healthy interest from crowds Formula E could become a real rival.
Nicolas Prost the son of former F1 legend Alain Prost has also raised the profile in the paddocks turning his back on his father’s heritage to join the electric age. One thing seems to be for sure, Formula E is not going anywhere and will be bigger and better next year, just making less noise than you’re used to.
