The third generation of cars for Formula E was unveiled in Monaco: New look, more power, less weight to shape electric racing series from 2023
Before Formula E’s electric racers take to the legendary street circuit in Monaco on Saturday for the fifth edition of the E-Prix of Monaco, the car that the electric racing series will use from the upcoming 2023 season was unveiled at the Yacht Club in Monaco on Thursday evening: the Gen3 car.
Technically speaking, the Gen3 car is the most powerful Formula E bolide to date, with an output of 350 kilowatts (equivalent to around 480 hp). Compared to the Gen2 car, which will be used until the end of the current season in 2022, the new car is not only more powerful. It is also 60 kilograms lighter and slightly shorter. The more compact dimensions should ensure even more action on the numerous street circuits on the racing calendar.
“Monaco is the spiritual home of motorsport and there is no more fitting place to unveil our Gen3 race car. The Gen3 car challenges the conventions of motorsport and sets the benchmark for performance, efficiency and sustainability without compromise,” said Formula E chief executive Jamie Reigle at the official unveiling on Thursday evening.
“Together with the FIA, we are proud to present the Gen3 car to Formula E fans and to show the entire sports industry how elite sport, high performance and sustainability can successfully co-exist in the Formula E World Championship. We can’t wait to see how our teams and drivers will push the car to its limits in 2023,” said Reigle.
The Gen3 car is the third generation of vehicles in the history of Formula E, which has been written since 2014. It all started with the Gen1 car, which had an output of 150 kilowatts (equivalent to around 200 hp). Due to the battery capacity at that time, the races of the Gen1 era (up to and including the 2017/18 season) still involved pit stops to change the car.
The Gen2 car was introduced for the 2018/19 season. This second-generation car, which is currently still in use, produces 250 kilowatts (equivalent to around 340 hp) of power. Pit stops to change cars are no longer necessary because the battery capacity has been increased.
With the Gen3 car, the Formula E era with 350 kilowatts of power will begin in the upcoming 2023 season. Major changes to the race tracks are not expected. Pit stops could return, however. Michelin will be replaced by Hankook as Formula E’s tyre supplier for the first Gen3 season.
Ten teams or manufacturers are currently registered for the first season of the Gen3 era: Andretti, DS-Dragon, Envision, Jaguar, Mahindra, Maserati, NIO, Nissan, Porsche and Techeetah.
