Formula E car unveiled in Frankfurt

FIA President Jean Todt and Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag Tuesday revealed the new Spark-Renault SRT_01E fully-electric single-seater car on the opening day of the 65th International Frankfurt Motor Show.

The SRT_01E has been designed and built by Spark Racing Technology (SRT), headed by the renowned Frederic Vasseur, together with a consortium of the leading manufacturers in motorsport, and will compete in the inaugural FIA Formula E Championship - the world's first global electric race series beginning in September 2014.

Using the very latest technology, the car aims to push the boundaries of what is currently achievable in electric motorsport, whilst ensuring a balance between cost-effectiveness and sustainability, in addition to coping with the demands of racing entirely on city-centre circuits.

The car's monocoque chassis has been constructed by leading Italian firm Dallara and has been aerodynamically designed to aid overtaking. Made from carbon fibre and aluminium, the chassis will fully comply with the 2014 FIA crash tests.

Providing the electric motor, gearbox and electronics is McLaren Electronics Systems, the world leader in high- performance technology for motorsport. Williams Advanced Engineering, part of the Williams group of companies that includes the world famous Williams F1 Team, is responsible for the design and supply of the batteries and their battery management systems; producing 200kw (the equivalent of 270bhp).

Overseeing all the systems integration, performance optimisation and powertrain electrical safety is Formula E's technical partner Renault. Meanwhile, custom made 18-inch treaded tyres have been created by Michelin, with just one durable tyre to cater for both wet and dry conditions and helping to reduce overall costs.

"I congratulate all partners involved in the production of the fully-electric SRT_01E car - it is a fantastic achievement," said FIA President Jean Todt.

"The innovative technology deployed follows the best environmental practices, highlighting the potential of the Formula E Championship to spark a revolution in the development of new electromobility systems, not just for motorsport but also for everyday use. This new championship builds on the FIA's traditional role as a leading promoter of innovation, technology and performance in the automotive sector."

The car, which has been 10 months in the making, will be used by all 10 teams and 20 drivers competing in the new zero emission series although only for the first season as Formula E is an 'open championship' designed to encourage manufacturers to build their own car to help accelerate R&D around the electric vehicle. A total of 42 cars will be produced by Spark with each driver using two cars during the one hour races.

The launch event was also attended by representatives from all the Championship's partners, sponsors and teams together with development driver Lucas di Grassi and newly-announced Racing Ambassador Gil de Ferran.