Legacy automakers are strategically leveraging their Formula E electric racing teams to bridge the gap with leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers such as Tesla.
Despite Formula E facing challenges in winning over traditional motorsports enthusiasts, automakers argue that the competition provides a valuable testing ground for maximizing power and regenerating energy, offering insights crucial for the development of more efficient EVs, according to Reuters.
(Photo : Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Mitch Evans of New Zealand and Jaguar TCS Racing drives during the 2024 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix Round 1 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on January 13, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Tata Motors' unit, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), is intensively investing in catching up with EV production. James Barclay, the team principal of the Jaguar TCS Racing team, discloses JLR's plans to utilize silicon carbide inverter technology initially developed for Formula E cars in their next-generation premium EVs. JLR has already translated insights from managing battery temperatures into over-the-air updates, improving the range of their Jaguar I-Pace EVs.
Nissan is actively pursuing EV development, planning 19 fully electric models by 2026. Tommaso Volpe, Nissan Formula E team principal, highlights their focus on transferring technology from Formula E to achieve more efficient motors, inverters, and smaller battery packs for mass-market EVs.
Porsche is harnessing Formula E not only for technology but also for talent, reassigning top engineers from its Formula E program to road models, emphasizing the value of expertise gained in the electric racing arena.
While BMW and Mercedes have shifted away from Formula E, Ford is re-entering F1 racing in 2026 as a platform for EV development. Stellantis, eager to roll out affordable electric models, draws insights from its DS brand Formula E team, expediting EV development across its 13 other brands.
Formula E founder Alejandro Agag underscores the racing series' role as a technology testing laboratory, citing significant progress in fast-charging technology. The rapid technology transfer in the electric revolution is anticipated to hasten the integration of Formula E innovations into mass-market EVs.
Saudi Arabia to Host Formula E Races
Meanwhile, as the Dakar Rally concludes, attention now turns to Saudi Arabia's Riyadh for the 2024 Formula E calendar. The upcoming race weekend, featuring two races on Friday and Saturday will see Nyck de Vries, a former E-Prix winner, and title holder, return to the grid.
Formula E race promoter Carlo Boutagy, instrumental in elevating Saudi Arabia's presence in motorsport, expresses excitement about having champions like de Vries back on the Formula E grid.
Boutagy discloses plans for a Thursday summit during the race weekend. Speakers, including Prince Khaled and Formula E founder Alejandro Agag, will address over 200 guests, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration for a sustainable future. "The FE and Zero Summit have already organized this in other countries, and it is good that we have these events. This is because it helps to share and transfer knowledge with each other, allowing us to work together for a sustainable future," Boutagy said, as per RN 365.
SUV EV for The US Market Unveiled
In another development, VinFast, a newcomer backed by Vietnam's VinGroup, reveals details about its mini VF3 SUV destined for the US market during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this month. Priced at an estimated sub-$20,000, potentially making it one of the most affordable cars in the US after rebates, VinFast's offering contrasts with Tesla's more compact and expensive Model Y, starting at $44,000.
Looking ahead, Chinese automaker Nio aims to enter the US market by 2025 with the luxury six-seater SUV Nio ES8. Despite its higher base price of around $70,000, the ES8 boasts premium features, positioning it alongside more expensive SUVs like Tesla's Model X.
Chinese automakers can produce competitive EV models, including SUVs, at a lower price point globally thanks to government subsidies and control over half of the world's lithium supply. This advantage underscores China's prominence and contribution to the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, per the BBC.
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