The electrifying journey of Formula E, the premier electric car racing series, began in 2014 and has since made remarkable advancements in both technology and popularity. Founded by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and brought to life by the combined vision of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E set out with a clear objective: to captivate a younger audience and highlight the automotive industry's shift towards sustainable, battery-powered vehicles.
Going back to its roots, the concept of Formula E was conceived in 2011. It presented an innovative platform that recognized the growing awareness around sustainability, even when, as Lucas di Grassi recalls, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” But by 2014, the fans were ready, and the debut season rolled out with 10 teams all making use of the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, a collective effort that saw contributions from automotive giants McLaren and Williams on the motors and batteries.
An Evolution in Speed and Technology
The technological evolution of Formula E cars has been nothing short of extraordinary. The first-generation cars, while revolutionary for their time, could reach a top speed of 140 mph but required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints. This was a visible limitation, but it did little to hamper the excitement around this burgeoning sport.
By the second generation, the technology had leapt forward. These cars eliminated the need for mid-race car swaps and could achieve a top speed of 173 mph, significantly improving the racing experience. The current 'gen 3' cars now boast racing speeds of up to 200 mph, marking a new era of high performance in electric racing.
Big Names and Bigger Exits
The series has also seen several key players come and go. Notably, British manufacturer Jaguar made a triumphant return to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus. Mercedes-EQ established dominance by securing the driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, only to exit the sport ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. Audi and BMW also followed suit, leaving a sizeable gap in the lineup. McLaren Racing capitalized on this transition by acquiring the former Mercedes team, ensuring that the competitive spirit continues.
Porsche's Commitment and Future Projections
Among the manufacturers, Porsche stands out for its unwavering commitment to Formula E. “If racing is in your DNA, like Porsche, and you're going to be producing only electric cars, then it's perfectly logical to race in a world championship that's electric,” says Jeff Dodds. Indeed, Porsche has committed to the series for the long haul, with plans extending through 2030.
Looking toward the future, the 'gen 4' cars are already in development and slated for release in season 13 and beyond. This next upgrade promises to push the boundaries even further, ensuring that Formula E remains at the cutting edge of electric vehicle technology.
A Growing Spectacle
While technological advancements are key, the visibility and accessibility of the sport to its audience are equally important. “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport,” notes Lucas di Grassi. Zak Brown underscores this by stressing the need for broader broadcast access, “Definitely more free-to-air. Right now, the fanbase isn’t big enough… Trend fans are not going to stumble across it. That's what it needs to work on.”
Expanding the reach of broadcasts is crucial, as Jeff Dodds points out, “You don't want anybody in any of our prime markets asking the question, 'where can I watch it?' That's a pretty bad outcome for a sport. So that's a problem that we have to solve in a long-term way.”
A Global Phenomenon
Despite these challenges, Formula E has grown into a global phenomenon. “The championship was a start-up; now it’s a consolidated, multi-continent, multi-national, multi-manufacturer series that still has a lot to improve but has grown massively from the start,” says di Grassi. From its inception to its upcoming tenth season, which concludes with an exhilarating double-header in London, Formula E continues to evolve and inspire.
In summary, Formula E has not only survived but thrived, transforming from a visionary concept into a competitive reality that champions sustainable technology. It stands as a testament to the potential of electric vehicles in the sporting arena and promises a future filled with innovation, speed, and unyielding excitement.