Formula E: Stage set for India’s first all-electric racing championship in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: There’s plenty of buzz surrounding the all-electric racing championship. So if you’re a newcomer to Formula E or simply want to learn more about the series, here’s a go-to guide:

Formula E has made rapid strides since its inception in 2014. From season 9 onwards, the championship has made a conscious effort to blend sport and entertainment, something which was evident in the last race of Saudi Arabia “We still have a lot of work to do but we will get there,” said the officials of Formula E CEO ahead of the Hyderabad race.

Gen3 cars:

- Perhaps the biggest talking point of the upcoming season is the debut of the new Gen3 cars.

-They represent a significant technological leap, delivering 350kW (100kW more than before) and a top speed of 320kph.

-They’re also the first formula cars to feature front and rear powertrains, doing away with the need for rear hydraulic brakes.

-With a combined 600kW, it doubles the regenerative capability of the Gen2 cars. In fact, over 40 percent of the energy used in a race is produced by regenerative braking. And the design is inspired by a fighter jet.

-A narrower car and shorter wheelbase should, in theory, offer better racing around the tight and twisty street circuits. All of these changes have resulted in what Formula E calls the “fastest, lightest, and most sustainable electric race car ever built”.

-Since the championship runs mainly on street circuits, the majority of the infrastructure created is temporary.

-Formula E has signed a four-year deal for the race with local promoters but wants to go well beyond that in a big market like India.

-Formula E is unique in the sense that effectively does these pop-up race tracks.

-The circuit is built from scratch and go through the city streets which requires a lot of government involvement, permits, and operational challenges.