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Beyond Racing: Formula E Powers Your Next EV
20 Dec
Summary
- Formula E serves as a vital technology testbed for future electric road vehicles.
- Manufacturers use Formula E to rapidly develop and test powertrain software updates.
- Innovations like advanced cooling systems and regenerative braking transfer to consumer EVs.
Formula E, the all-electric racing series, functions as a crucial development ground for the technologies found in everyday electric vehicles (EVs). Seven of the ten participating teams are also manufacturers of road cars, including major brands like Porsche, Nissan, and Jaguar.
These teams leverage Formula E's unique rules, which focus on software for performance gains due to standardized chassis and battery components. This allows for rapid iteration and testing of updates, influencing everything from electric motor cooling systems to advanced regenerative braking, which recaptures significant energy. For instance, Porsche's oil-cooling system from its race car now features in the Cayenne Electric, enhancing efficiency.
The technology transfer extends to software calibration and supplier innovations, directly impacting consumer EVs. Lessons learned in extreme heat conditions in São Paulo, for example, help manufacturers tune their road cars for various climates. Features like one-pedal driving and intelligent regenerative braking, refined in Formula E, are increasingly common in production EVs, leading to improved efficiency and driver experience.
