Following the meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Geneva today, it has been announced that tenders for both the chassis and batteries for the Formula E championship have been approved.
Currently Formula E batteries are produced by Williams, and the chassis has been manufactured by Dallara, both of whom have contracts until the end of the fourth season. To keep costs lower in the series, both batteries and the chassis are the same amongst the teams, although development is open to powertrains.
The fifth season, taking place during 2018 and 2019, will see new cars and batteries with the intention that they will be able to last the full race distance on a single charge. Currently drivers have to change cars mid-race, with a mandatory length pit stop to avoid any advantage being taken.
In a statement made by the FIA, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag said: “Opening up the tender for the season five battery supply will inspire further development in the key element of electric car technology.
“The new battery will be more powerful and have a longer range than the current unit. This is exactly the type of technological step change that Formula E was created to inspire. By keeping with a single supplier, we will also ensure that costs are kept under control and create a solid foundation for the continued growth of the series as a global entertainment brand.”
Companies have until June 8th to place their entries for the tenders, which will open up on March 8th.
