After unveiling of Spark Renault SRT_01 E at Frankfurt Motor Show: among others Lucas di Grassi (rightmost, with the steering wheel in his hands) and Alejandro Agag (6th person from left).
Development of the car started in September 2012. Lucas di Grassi was appointed as official test driver, demonstrating the prototype, the Formulec EF01 (built in 2010).[4][5] The Formulec EF01 featured a chassis constructed by Mercedes GP and motors built by Siemens. The car was used for the official promotion video and for demonstrations in host cities.
Michelin was announced as an exclusive tyre-supplier on 28 March 2013. On 15 May 2013 Renault was announced as technical partner of Spark Racing Technology. Renault's experience in the Renault Z.E. (Zero Emission) and Formula One programmes will be used to put to Formula E's advantage.[8] On the same day, Formula E unveiled the design of the Spark-Renault SRT_01E.
The battery design was in the hands of Williams Advanced Engineering, part of the Williams Group to which the Formula One team belongs.[9]
On 3 July 2014, the first official trial of the cars took place in Donington Park, England. The trial ended around 21 August with each team running all four of their cars completing a combined total of 1222 laps.[11][12] The fastest time was 1:29.920, recorded by the Abt team – a McLaren MP4-12C recorded a lap time of 1:29.679 during the 2012 British GT season.
Technology
RESS
The Spark-Renault SRT_01E featured a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS). According to Appendix J article 251 3.1.7 of the ISC, the RESS is the complete energy storage device, comprising an energy storage medium (e.g. flywheel, capacitor or battery).[13] The design of the RESS is free but must be homologated by the FIA.[14] Part of the RESS is the traction batteries and the Battery Management System, these are supplied by Williams Advanced Engineering.
Electric motor
The electric motor is built by McLaren Electronic Technologies. The motor weighs 26 kg and produces a maximum of 270 bhp with 140Nm of instant torque. The motor was originally developed for the McLaren P1 road car.[15]
Charging
According to the regulations, the Formula E cars can be charged during practice, qualifying, the race and some other specified moments during a raceweekend.[16] Drayson Racing and its technical partner QualcommHALO are developing a way to wirelessly charge the car.[17] The wireless electric vehicle charging (WEVC) system uses a pad under a parking space to charge the car. The system is tested on the electric Drayson B12/69EV, a modified version of the Lola B08/60.[18]
Tyres
The car was shod with 18-inch tyres. The FIA Formula E championship uses a tyre which is suitable for wet and dry conditions. The exclusive tyre supplier Michelin will only make one compound available, so there will be no hard or soft compounds like in Formula 1. The tyre is expected to last the whole race weekend.[19]
Technical specifications
Design
Aerodynamics optimized to facilitate overtaking
High ride height sensitivity and wide range of suspension set up possibilities to tackle the city centre streets
Cost-effectiveness
Compliant to FIA safety regulations
Technology
Use of latest technology
Compromise between performance and cost-effectiveness wherever possible
Extensive use of composite materials but limited usage of the most expensive carbon-fibres
Maximum power will be available during practice and qualifying sessions. During races, power-saving mode will apply with the push-to-pass system temporarily allowing maximum power for a limited time.
The amount of energy that can be delivered to the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) by the Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) is limited to 30 kWh. This will be monitored by the FIA.
Performance
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3 s — Estimated
Final performance figures are still to be verified.
Motors
MGU by McLaren
Maximum of two MGUs allowed
MGUs must be linked only to the rear axle
The use of traction control is forbidden
Traction battery
The traction battery is a 28 kWh Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) and supplies electric energy to the Power Circuit and thus to the traction motor. Any onboard battery electrically connected to the Power Circuit is considered to be an integral part of the vehicle's traction battery
Rechargeable Energy Storage System
A Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) is a system that is designed to propel the car via the electric motor. In order to comply they must be:
FIA Standard
The maximum weight of the Battery Cells and/or Capacitor of the RESS must not be higher than 200 kg
All Battery Cells must be certified to UN Transportation Standards as a minimum requirement
Standard two separate Hydraulic systems, operated by the same pedal
Brake material is a free choice
Calipers; the section of each caliper piston must be circular
The body of the calipers must be made from aluminium alloy
Wheels and tyres
Bespoke 18" treaded Michelin tyres for use on both wet and dry conditions/surfaces
Championship specific wheel dimensions
O.Z. Racing Magnesium wheels. Max width — front 260 mm (10 in) / rear 305 mm (12 in). Max Diameter — front 650 mm (26 in) / rear 690 mm (27 in)
Electronics
McLaren Electronics ECU/GCU including data logging system
Power supply management unit
CAN data acquisition pre-equipment
FIA Marshalling system
Beacon receiver
Telemetry is not permitted
Suspension
Double-steel wishbones, pushrod-operated, twin-dampers and torsion bars suspension (front) and spring suspension (rear)
Adjustable ride height, camber and toe
Two way (front) / Four-way (rear) adjustable Koni dampers
Adjustable anti-roll bar (front/rear)
Steering system
Non-assisted rack and pinion steering system (power assistance is allowed)
Steering wheel with dashboard, marshaling display, gear change, and clutch paddles
Safety
FIA safety standards including front, side, rear, and steering column impact tests
Front and rear roll hoop, impact structures, and monocoque push tests
Anti-intrusion survival cell protection panels
Wheel-retainer safety cables
Extinguisher system (electronically operated)
Camera equipment
Roll hoop, nose cone and face shot camera pre-equipment[21]
In video games
The series commissioned established sim racing developer MAK-Corp to create the SRT_01E for their Hyperstimulator Simulators for use at promotional events for the series. MAK-Corp's car is not available for public use. The car also features in Turn 10 Studios' gameForza Motorsport 5, Studio 397's rFactor 2 and EA's Real Racing 3 mobile game.[22]
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