Formula E Unveils Gen 3 EVO Car Ahead of Monaco E-Prix, Sets Sights on 2023 Season
The highly anticipated Formula E Gen 3 EVO car was unveiled on Thursday evening, ahead of this weekend’s Monaco E-Prix, where it will make its public debut on Saturday. Ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard will get behind the wheel to demonstrate the car’s capabilities.
The all-electric championship’s latest challenger boasts significant upgrades over the current Gen3 car, which has been in use for the last two seasons. Notable changes include revised bodywork, new tyres, and a more efficient powertrain. The result is a car that accelerates from 0-60mph in a blistering 1.82 seconds, exceeding the acceleration of current Formula 1 cars. The car’s overall performance has improved by around two seconds per lap around the iconic Monte Carlo circuit.
One of the most significant developments is the introduction of all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology, thanks to the activation of the front powertrain, which has been a part of the Gen3 machine since its launch. A maximum power output of 50kW will be applied to the front axle from the 350kW limit, with the remaining power allocated to the rear wheels. This will only be permitted during qualifying duels, at the start of the race, and during both Attack Mode activations.
Additional modifications include a sturdier front wing and new sidepods, which should reduce aerodynamic drag. A new version of the Hankook tyre is also expected to provide 5-10% more grip than its predecessor.
“We all know that speed sells in our business, and if you’re a motorsport fan, you love things that go fast,” Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds told Autosport. “To have a message of 1.82s to 60mph, I think is an amazing headline for us.”
The development of the new car has been a collaborative effort between Formula E and the FIA, spanning over a year. Official safety car driver and former racer Bruno Correia has played a key role as development driver on the project.
While the Gen3 EVO car unofficially broke cover at the previous round in Misano, this weekend’s Monaco E-Prix will mark its first official public outing. Teams will be able to upgrade existing chassis with the modifications, helping to reduce costs and minimize waste.
“From a cost-perspective and sustainability perspective, we don’t want to be tearing everything up and throwing it away,” said McLaren team principal, Ian James. “That’s where we get the wholesale generational changes, so within that four-year period we have the opportunity after the first two years to make this change.”
The introduction of the Gen3 EVO car falls at the halfway point of the Gen3 cycle, with the Gen4 car set to debut in 2026. With its focus on speed, sustainability, and innovation, the Formula E Gen 3 EVO car is poised to take the 2023 season by storm.
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