Formula E's Gen3 rules will provide "step change"
Formula E’s co-founder reckons the incoming Gen3 rules will provide a “step change” to improve both the “sporting product” and the championship’s ability to develop technology for road cars.
The new Gen3 cars will debut for the 2022-23 season and pitstops are set to make a return with the introduction of mid-race rapid charging of up to 600kW.
This will compensate for a 5% cut in overall battery capacity that has been planned to contribute towards a 120kg reduction in car weight.
Formula E chief championship officer and co-founder Alberto Longo said this, combined with smaller car dimensions and a boost to the equivalent of 470bhp, would be a “step change” for the racing spectacle.
Speaking at the inaugural Autosport International Connect, a digital networking event for the motorsport industry organised and promoted by Motorsport Network, on the Future Power panel, Longo said: “Fast-charging and more control parts to drive the investment into the key race-to-road areas will be absolutely key [to Gen3].
“Frankly, we want to ensure Formula E is an attractive offering to prospective brands and teams. These regulations hopefully will do so.
“The Gen3 will be a step change both as a sporting product and for mobility technology transfer.”
Longo added that the aim was to create the “most efficient powertrain” to reinforce the capability of Formula E and its automotive manufacturer competitors to develop technology that can filter into the road car market.
He reckoned this was the primary reason for car makers to compete in the championship, saying that the marketing promotion benefits Formula E offers are ‘secondary’.
He said: “Formula E needs to remain road relevant.
“But also, at the same time, it has to be competitive and affordable.
“We’re ensuring this by introducing the budget caps with our Gen3 evolution of the cars and the financial regulations as well.
“The focus area of development for me would be creating the most efficient powertrain.
“This is precisely what is directly transferred into the cars of tomorrow.
“I can probably say today that OEMs are in Formula E first as a testbed to try new technologies.
“Second, as a marketing platform to promote themselves as leaders in e-mobility and innovation.”
Longo reckoned Formula E set the “standard for others to follow” by virtue of being the only series to have net-zero carbon emissions since its inception.
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Top Comments
Marko: Perez improved F1 form because 2025 contract talks are at stake
Russell explains how low-fuel runs expose Mercedes F1 inconsistency
The impatient pair who’d hoped to be a thorn in Red Bull’s side again
MotoGP Japanese GP: Bagnaia leads Martin in mixed-weather FP1
Supercars reveals expanded 13-round 2025 calendar
Why lawsuit claims NASCAR leadership are “monopolistic bullies”
Podcast: The Best of Super Touring Power 2 - Steve Soper and John Cleland
Formula E's most memorable races: Electric world championship turns 10
Formula E champions look back: Electric world championship turns 10
The top 10 Formula E drivers of 2023-24
The overlooked Formula E asset that proved crucial in Porsche's title turnaround
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
