The world's first fully electric racing series, the Formula E, held a race in Berlin on May 21. A previous race was conducted in Paris. A format that is fast gaining fans, this racing series began in 2012.
The third generation Formula E car was demonstrated to the international media at the venue of the International Transport Forum in Leipzig, Germany recently. The powerful battery for the race car was made by Williams, which specialises in this area. McLaren worked on the motor and inverter while Dallara did chassis. The integration of all systems was done by Renault.
The Formula E car reaches a peak speed of 220 kmph, powered by a battery of 32 KwH. Electric vehicles operate based on a range per charge of battery — this car has a 30 minute range. In a proper e-car race, there are two such vehicles which help complete the circuit for a team.
The Danish Minister for Transport Hans Christian Schmidt (third from left) joins Jean Todt, President of the FIA or Federation of International Automobiles (with mike) before the Formula E-car demo in Leipzig on May 18.
People Mover: An electric van on display at the International Transport Forum summit in Leipzig on May 20.
A BMW i3 e-car gets charged at a street power point in Leipzig. The car has a range of 160 km but can be "extended" to cover the trip distance using a small internal combustion engine that is part of the vehicle.
At the BMW plant in Leipzig, a sports e-car, the i8 is on display. The body of the e-cars is made of carbon fibre composites, to reduce weight and allow for a heavy battery to be used.
