Everything You Need To Know About Formula E Ahead Of Greenko Hyderabad E-Prix This Weekend

We’ve all heard about Formula 1; the apogee of motorsport. It’s where the best engineering minds and drivers come together to perform at the highest possible level known to man. But you might have also been hearing a lot about Formula E these days, and that’s because there’s an E-Prix taking place on our soil, in Hyderabad to be precise, this weekend. But what exactly is it?

Electrified single-seater racing

Formula E is the pinnacle of motorsport but in its all-electric form. Even though it is now in its ninth season, Formula E is still probably one of the lesser-known forms of motorsport. Founded in 2012, it is a class of open-wheel racing cars with electric motors and aims to promote sustainable mobility and electric vehicles (EVs). It is a proper series, sanctioned by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) and features a total of 11 racing teams (one more than in Formula 1) each with two drivers.

Meet the race car

The cars used are specifically designed for the series and are mostly standardised across the grid with setup and software-based improvements specific to each team. This ninth season saw the debut of the Gen3 Formula E race cars powered by two electric motors (250kW at the front and 350kW at the rear) that provide a maximum combined power output of up to 476PS. 

However, the 250kW motor at the front with a 600kW regen potential is only there for regenerative purposes. Nonetheless, these are the fastest Formula E cars yet capable of a top speed over 300kmph.

Unlike traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) racing cars, Formula E cars are quieter and produce zero tailpipe emissions. Furthermore, they are constantly evolving to a point that the latest Gen3 vehicles have the capability of producing around 40 per cent of the total energy used within the race just through regenerative braking.

Street racing

The races take place on street circuits in cities around the world. This helps immerse a lot more people in the experience when compared with a race that takes place on a racetrack. 

Race car to road car

Although electric, the motorsport has a similar ethos to the founding principles of motor racing, especially GT formats, by connecting the racing to real-world driving. All the technology that goes into making these cars works as a testbed for when the same will be implemented in road-going EVs. So at the end of the day, the sport also works towards improved sustainability for the masses wrapped up in its exciting entertainment package.

Race weekend format

The race structure is also a bit different for an E-Prix compared to a Formula 1 race weekend. It is broken down into five sessions that are spread over a span of two days, so unlike Formula 1, an E-Prix doesn’t disrupt life in the city to the same extent.

Get to know the Hyderabad E-Prix

 

 

 

 

 

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For the fourth round of the ninth season, Formula E is coming to India in the form of the Greenko Hyderabad E-Prix this weekend. It’ll be an interesting prospect to behold as teams will take to the streets of India for the first time. The 2.83km street circuit is positioned on the banks of the heart-shaped Hussain Sagar Lake. The main race event will unfold starting at 3pm this Saturday, so there’s still time if you haven’t already bagged your tickets yet. 

Also Read: Jaguar TCS Racing Is Gearing Up For Its 1st Home Race In Hyderabad This Weekend

We will also be on the ground at the E-Prix to bring you some of the excitement, so stay tuned to our socials and the website for more updates from the track.