The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is primed to usher in a new era of electric racing with the debut of the GEN3 Evo race car in Season 11. Unveiled at H.S.H. Prince Albert II’s Private Car Collection, the GEN3 Evo represents a substantial leap forward in electric racing technology, promising enhanced performance, sustainability, and excitement for both drivers and fans.
Developed jointly by specialists from Formula E and the FIA, the GEN3 Evo boasts a remarkable acceleration of 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds (0-100kph in 1.86s). This is an impressive 30% faster than a current Formula 1 car and 36% quicker than the existing GEN3 car. Capable of accelerating nearly a full second faster than its predecessor, the GEN3, the GEN3 Evo sets a new standard in competitive racing, environmental responsibility, and efficiency.
Key technical enhancements incorporated into the GEN3 Evo include:
- The quickest accelerating FIA single-seater race car – 0-60mph in 1.82 seconds (0-100kph in 1.86s), 30% quicker than a current F1 car.
- Faster, stronger, more agile – Performance upgrades providing an estimated 2% performance gain from GEN3, resulting in a c.2 seconds faster qualifying lap on the renowned Monaco circuit. This ensures world-class racing on every track.
- Leaner and meaner – An aggressive new body kit designed to be stronger, more robust, and more aerodynamic, which will deliver closer wheel-to-wheel racing.
- All-wheel drive (AWD) – A first for a Formula E car, the AWD system is available during qualifying duels, race starts, and ATTACK MODE. This maximizes acceleration and control, intensifying driver rivalries and elevating the thrill of key race moments. AWD substantially improves both performance and strategic options, resulting in more exciting racing.
- Better grip – Optimised all-weather Hankook iON tyres providing 5-10% more grip and made from 35% recycled and sustainable materials (+9% vs GEN3 spec). These tyres are designed to support faster and closer racing between drivers and to build on the world-leading specification of the GEN3 car, including:
- The fastest Formula E car: Top speed of 200mph
- Regenerative braking: The cars optimize the 600kw regenerative braking capacity to generate nearly 50% of the energy needed for a race during the race itself.
- Enhanced performance by software: Race performance upgrades made through software engineering.
- Most efficient Formula car ever: An electric motor with over 95% efficiency, significantly surpassing the 40% efficiency typical of internal combustion engines.
Further enhancing its commitment to sustainability, Formula E has ensured that the GEN3 Evo maintains the following features:
- Minimising production footprint: The world’s first net-zero carbon race car in the world’s first net-zero carbon sport.
- Sustainable battery development: Suppliers of battery cell minerals are selected based on ethical and sustainable mining standards to ensure a positive or neutral impact on people and the planet.
- Lifecycle thinking: Life cycle thinking throughout the car’s construction; second life and recycling for battery cells; recycled carbon fibre and natural materials such as linen integrated into the chassis.
- Conscientious supply chain: All suppliers are held to strict sustainability KPIs, achieving FIA 3* Environmental Accreditation certification by Season 9.
- Race-to-road transfer: Specific road-relevant areas of the car are opened for development by teams and manufacturers, designed for direct tech transfer to the automotive industry.
- Ultra-fast charging capability: A new technological development, still in development, designed to allow a 30-second 600kw high-speed charge for additional energy mid-race.
All powertrains will be newly homologated for Season 11 as part of the technical roadmap of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. This will allow manufacturers and their customer teams to incorporate key learnings and optimizations from GEN3 into their new cars.
“The GEN3 Evo heralds a ground-breaking chapter in the evolution of Formula E, embodying our dedication to innovation and high performance achieved sustainably,” said Jeff Dodds, Chief Executive Officer, Formula E. “Featuring unprecedented acceleration and an advanced aerodynamic design, the car is set to intensify the thrill of our racing, captivating our drivers and fans around the world with truly superior capabilities and performance.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA, added, “The FIA and Formula E have been working hard on the development process of this new GEN3 Evo race car, which represents another significant leap forward in electric racing technology. I would like to thank both FIA and Formula E teams for the hard work which underlines our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable motorsport while delivering competitive racing.”
