Formula E debuts Gen3 electric race car in the 2023 season. Although the official model was revealed earlier this year, on Monday Porsche became the first automaker to reveal its Gen3 driver and it provides a closer look at the differences between the 99X Electric racer and the upcoming Gen2 cars.
For starters, the Gen3 car gets a power boost from 100 kW (134 hp) to 350 kW (469 hp) in qualifying mode. That’s thanks to the dual-motor four-wheel drive system instead of the single-engine rear-wheel drive setup of the Gen2. The powertrain also achieves an impressive 95% energy efficiency, according to Porsche.
Another aspect that could make racing more interesting, Porsche points out, is that while the cars get heavier from Gen1 to Gen2, the Gen3 car is lighter and more agile.
As before, output will be reduced for races, with temporary boosts available to active drivers Attack mode by driving through a track off the track. Race reported last month that Formula E may discontinue the Fanboost feature, however, giving drivers an additional boost based on fan votes.
Porsche 99X Electric Formula E Gen3 racing car
According to the series organizers, the increased power makes the Gen3 car the fastest Formula E car, with a top speed of 200 mph. However, it’s hard to say how often the cars reach those speeds on Formula E’s tight streets.
The regenerative capacity has also increased to 2.4 times compared to Gen2 vehicles and now reaches a maximum of 600 kW. According to Porsche, more than 40% of the energy used will come from renewables, while the new 600 kW charging system will replenish the battery packs between race sessions.
The Gen3 car also has a significantly different appearance than its predecessor, along with a shorter wheelbase and narrower grooves that Porsche hopes will increase agility. The new car is 110 pounds lighter and its carbon fiber bodywork is made from recycled materials from previous generation racers. The battery cells will also be reused or recycled at the end of the season.
Porsche 99X Electric Formula E Gen3 racing car
Tires are made from 1/4 natural rubber and recycled fibers, and will also be recycled. And all suppliers have agreed to work together to reduce the overall environmental impact of the manufacturing process.
Launched in 2014, E . formula featuring open-wheeled cars and a Formula 1-style international calendar, but without an internal combustion engine, it offers a different kind of experience for fans.
Porsche 99X Electric Formula E Gen3 racing car
As with other racing cars, the appeal to manufacturers like Porsche is partly based on demonstrating that hybrid technology can be adapted to road cars. The Lucid Air based on the company’s experience in supplying battery packs for this series in recent years. And Jaguar Land Rover claims it has helped increase the range for its production EVs.
At least, Formula E has helped break some EV myths. It shows that the EV can work in the race, and it aims to continue to do so with the Gen3 car, which will make its competition debut in Mexico City on January 14.
–
Key photo of the official reveal provided by John Voelcker
