The world of racing is on the verge of a major shift as Formula E cars are quickly catching up to the speed and performance of Formula 1 vehicles. While Formula 1 cars have long been the epitome of speed and power, the electric cars of Formula E are making significant technological advancements that may soon surpass their gasoline-powered counterparts.
The latest unveiling of the generation 4 Formula E car showcases a vehicle capable of generating up to 600 kilowatts of power, equivalent to a staggering 815 horsepower. With the ability to reach speeds exceeding 350 kilometers per hour, Formula E cars are closing in on the top speeds of Formula 1 vehicles, which currently exceed 370 km/h. However, Formula E cars already accelerate 30% faster than Formula 1 cars, with the current generation 3 car going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an impressive 1.82 seconds.
One of the key advantages of electric motors is their efficiency, with up to 90% of the energy consumed by the engine going into propelling the vehicle. In comparison, combustion engines can only convert about 25% of their energy into motion. Formula E cars have an energy efficiency of 96%, with almost half of the energy consumed coming from charging during braking.
Electric engines also have the advantage of generating maximum torque from a standstill, eliminating the need to switch gears to accelerate. The generation 4 Formula E car features permanent all-wheel drive, with a separate motor supplying power to each axle, potentially unlocking even better acceleration.
Despite these advancements, the Achilles’ heel of Formula E remains the battery. While the technology has come a long way since the inception of the series in 2014, the energy storage capacity of batteries still lags behind liquid fuels in terms of energy density. The upcoming generation 5 car is set to switch to a solid-state battery, offering greater energy storage at a lighter weight, but it may never match the energy density of liquid fuels.
While a head-to-head race between Formula E and Formula 1 cars may never happen due to the differences in rules and regulations, the advancements made in Formula E are already starting to influence consumer electric vehicles. Manufacturers such as Porsche, Jaguar, and Nissan are incorporating technology developed for Formula E into their road cars, showcasing the potential for performance improvements in everyday electric vehicles.
The speed and performance of Formula E cars not only demonstrate the capabilities of electric vehicles but also highlight their environmental sustainability. As the racing world continues to evolve, Formula E is paving the way for a future where electric cars may soon outperform their gasoline-powered counterparts on the track.
