The Formula E car for the next two seasons, known as the Gen3Evo, will have faster acceleration compared to previous models. According to Formula E, it will be 30% faster than a current Formula 1 car and 36% faster than the current Gen3. The improvements were made in response to feedback from drivers and teams who were dissatisfied with the performance of the previous car. The Gen3Evo will feature an active front powertrain (FPK) for qualifying, race starts, and attack modes. It will be unveiled in November at the pre-season Valencia test.
The Gen3Evo will have impressive acceleration, going from 0-60mph in 1.82 seconds. It will also have 5-10% more grip, with the tires made from 35% recycled and sustainable materials. The new tire compound provided by Hankook will enhance grip and sustainability. The car is being hailed as the most efficient formula car ever, with an electric motor that has over 90% efficiency, surpassing the typical efficiency of internal combustion engines.
The development of the Gen3 car faced challenges in 2022, but it still provided exciting racing due to its innovative format and opportunities for overtaking. The Gen3Evo will feature an active front powertrain that allows for four-wheel drive, improving traction and driveability in low and medium-speed corners. Combined with the new tire compound, lap times are expected to improve by around 1 to 1.5 seconds at most circuits.
Drivers who tested the Gen3Evo gave positive feedback, noting improved lap times, traction, and tire performance. The Hankook tires aimed to increase grip by 10%, and while the target wasn’t fully met, there was a noticeable increase in grip. The Gen3Evo is an evolution of the Gen Beta car used for an indoor acceleration record attempt in London. It incorporates elements from the Gen Beta model and is estimated to perform two seconds faster in qualifying on the Monaco circuit compared to the Gen3.
The previous marketing claims that the Gen3 car would regularly reach 200mph turned out to be inaccurate. However, the Gen3Evo might achieve speeds around 180/185mph depending on the track. The Gen3 car had a more conventional open-wheeled design compared to the covered prototype style of the Gen2. The change in design also affected the level of contact between cars. The Gen3 cars had more drag, which could be used strategically during races to save energy.
The Gen3Evo aims to make attack mode more effective for overtaking. The improved traction and driveability should allow drivers to utilize the extra power from attack mode more effectively. The goal is to make races more attractive for fans, drivers, teams, and the sporting format of Formula E. The Gen3Evo is an interim step before the introduction of the Gen4 car, which will have even higher performance capabilities.
The aesthetics of the Gen3Evo have been improved compared to its predecessor. The design team aimed for a lower, wider, and more aerodynamic look. There have been discussions about adding lights and enhancing artificial noise to enhance the recognition of brands within the Formula E cars, but no decisions have been made yet. These cosmetic features could be considered for the Gen4 car in the future.