McLaren to supply batteries for season 5 and 6
McLaren Applied Technologies have been announced as the sole battery supplier for the 2018/19 & 2019/20 seasons of the Formula E Championship by the World Motorsport Council (WMSC), taking over from William Advanced Engineering.
The deal is limited to two seasons due to the “ongoing rapid development of battery technology” as Formula E aim to drop the midrace car swap in favour of having one battery that will last a whole race.
Formula E CEO, Alejandro Agag, had this to say about the announcement: “I am absolutely delighted that a company with such a reputation for engineering excellence and expertise like McLaren Applied Technologies will be producing the new battery. Over just four seasons, Formula E will have inspired a 100 per cent increase in range – a phenomenal achievement. We will continue to push the boundaries of electric car technology and we can expect even greater gains to be possible when the third generation of batteries arrive for season seven.”
Whilst Motorsport Director of McLaren Applied Technologies, Rodi Basso, said this: “We’re delighted McLaren has been chosen by the FIA to be the sole supplier of batteries to Formula E from 2018 to 2020. Our new battery will almost double the energy storage, eliminating the need for drivers to swap cars during a race. As well as providing a global showcase for our sustainable technologies, this win provides another example of McLaren Applied Technologies’ vision to work closely with series partners to do our bit to help make the fan experience quicker and slicker.”
McLaren Applied Technologies have beaten the likes of current supplier Williams Advanced Engineering, Renault, DS, Mahindra and Porsche to be the sole supplier for the Formula E Championship as the series continues its rapid development.