Formula E Sets New World Record for Fastest Indoor Speed in Gen3 Vehicle
Formula E has showcased the untapped capabilities of its Gen3 electric race car ahead of the final two races of Season 9 in London. The electric vehicle series has set a new world record for indoor land speed, reaching an impressive 135.9 MPH (218.71 KPH) in a GenBeta development car. This achievement occurred on a .176-mile straight section of the London E-Prix circuit, which is partially located within the ExCeL London arena. NEOM McLaren Formula E driver Jake Hughes skillfully piloted the car, surpassing the previous record of 102.7 MPH (165.2 KPH) by an impressive 33 MPH.
Hughes went head-to-head with fellow driver Lucas di Grassi (Mahindra Racing) in a modified version of the Formula E duel format typically used in qualifying. Each was given the opportunity to set a fast pace on the inside of the track and both set the former world record in all three practice laps before the official attempts. Hughes and di Grassi had not driven a GenBeta car prior to this show.
Formula E says the GenBeta car will have several upgrades to make it faster and more efficient than the Gen3 car used in racing events. First, it has a boosted output of 400 kW, compared to 350 kW in the racing setup. The extra power comes for the first time in a Formula E car via all-wheel drive thanks to “front powertrain activation”, which increases grip during acceleration.
“GenBeta is the first time four-wheel drive has been activated in a single-seater racing car for both acceleration and brake regeneration,” explains Alessandra Ciliberti, Formula E’s Technical Director. “GenBeta showcases what Formula E is capable of racing in the near future.”
The GenBeta car also had softer Hankook tires that allowed for “faster warm-up and better grip at the peak.” The harder race day tires are currently designed for all conditions and to provide low wear during E-Prix driving. In addition, 3D printed wing endplates, wheel fins and a wind deflector were installed to improve aerodynamics and top-line speed. Ali was also used to analyze drivers’ rides using Google’s Vertex platform and McKinsey & Company’s QuantumBlack to help interpret telemetry and fine-tune strategy.
To make the record official, the drivers had to start from the spot and stop completely inside the fairgrounds. This meant a 130 degree turn at about 25 MPH before going flat down the straight. Speeds were measured 16.4 feet before drivers hit the breaking area, or section of track they needed to stop and stay inside the building.
A regular Gen3 car is already the fastest and most efficient electric car ever built. Capable of a top speed of over 200 MPH, it generates 40 percent of the power needed to run the E-Prix through braking. Formula E describes GenBeta as an “innovation platform” created by the FIA, Sabic and Hankook. In vehicle projects, it is intended to experiment with new materials and technology to increase performance, efficiency and durability.
