Just like any other motorsport discipline out there, Formula E is evolving and adapting as it keeps up with the latest technological developments. The big news here is the reveal of the Gen2 EVO, which as of the 2020/2021 season, will eliminate the need for mid-race car swaps thanks to twice as much battery capacity compared to the Gen1 race car.

FIA says that it will display the Gen2 EVO at the upcoming 2020 Geneva Motor Show, so before that happens and the race car actually gets to hit the track, let’s see what novelties it is bringing to the table.

Looks aside, the most significant changes took place inside the Gen2 EVO

From 2020 onwards, Formula E drivers won’t have to swap cars mid-race. That’s because the new Gen2 EVO packs a larger battery (FIA doesn’t specify its new capacity, though) that “uses a different construction and cell technology to the outgoing battery.” The Li-ion batteries are provided by Williams Advanced Engineering, which boast an almost-perfect reliability score: over four seasons, only two on-track battery failures have been registered.

In addition to the increased battery capacity, Gen2 EVO race cars will see a 50-kW increase in power output, to 250 kW (335 horsepower) available during qualifying stages, allowing them to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in less than 2.8 seconds and reach top speeds of 174 mph (280 km/h). During the race, however, the available power output drops to 200 kW (268 horsepower), while Attack Mode lets drivers harness 225 kW (301 horsepower).

Gen2 EVO specifications

Engine

Electric

Battery

Li-ion

Horsepower

335 HP

0 to 62 mph

2.8 seconds

Top Speed

174 mph


The BBW setup is connected to the vehicle’s ECU (Electronic Control Unit). During braking, the ECU “balances how much braking the driver wants and what braking effect will be supplied by the regenerative setup” by only applying the rear brakes to balance the input.

Changes were brought to the suspension setup, too: the front configuration includes a fixed design, but manufacturers are allowed to fit and tune their own dampers. In the rear, it’s all about what the team wants to use to suit their needs, so they’re given full liberty to tweak the wishbones, rockers, springs, and dampers.

Last but not least, don’t ever think, not even for a second, that the Batman-esque looks are just for show. The design increases downforce but also favours aerodynamic grip during tailgating. The rear wing was downsized, mostly because the car’s underfloor and rear diffuser generate the bulk of downforce, while the front wheels are partially enclosed to cut down on turbulence.