[Paul]

So who was already aware of the FIA Formula E series, and what's your opinion?

I think it's a good thing, and hopefully will be a great success. While it can be argued about how much F1 influences every day vehicles, the innovations and technology (and money) can only help, so perhaps this will have a trickle down effect with "every day" EVs too? And it can only be a good thing PR wise.

One day perhaps Formula 1 will be taken over by EVs anyway, that'd be a future I'd love to see!

http://www.fiaformulae.com/home/

 

[Paul]

I really think this is going to ignite interest in EVs more than many are expecting, let's just hope it gets the media coverage required to really boost its following.

Audi are now onboard, seven teams confirmed.

http://www.fiaformulae.com/news/Audi-ABT-joins-as-seventh-team

 

[Abi]

I like a bit of racing, but I think it's what develops from this industry that's really exciting. So if they find ways to improve performance and battery life, whilst highlighting EVs - its awesome.

 

[RickMGoldie]

It will also add pressure to manufacturers to join in or get left behind. Racing is where the R&D budget can be justified and can only lead to advances in the tech.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

BBC News: Virgin enters Formula E electric car racing series

 

[Paul]

More from the BBC... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25300016 DiCaprio getting involved is another good thing PR wise, this could all really help bring about a change in attitude!

 

[h8ten]

Just think how quickly it takes to refuel a Formula 1 car compared to a normal road car. If they can do that with fuel they might be able to develop a recharging system in minutes as opposed to hours for our EVs.

 

[dpeilow]

While I think this will be an exciting spectacle, I think the whole plan to do car swaps is a bad idea. It reinforces the idea that EVs can't go far.

 

[RickMGoldie]

I have to agree there David.

 

[Paul]

I think it's tough for them. Choices are probably heavier cars, bigger cars, battery swaps, shorter races, slower races, charge stops for 10-20 minutes... Because battery tech isn't ready yet.

I think a battery "drop and swap" would be the lesser of those evils myself, but who am I to judge?!

 

[dpeilow]

Definitely they should go with the battery drop. Tesla has shown it taking a minute but it must be possible to shorten this.

 

[Paul]

Quite, compare F1 to "quickfit" on wheel and tyre replacement and I think rapid battery swaps should be simple!

 

[planetf1]

I'm looking forward to this. I'm a massive f1 fan and love my EV ...

The tech is going to be interesting and potentially very relevant BUT the racing has to be exciting too. Good drivers, fun moves (the locations already look great). IF that happens (and I think it will) it's going to be brilliant.

I'm definately hoping to get to the first London event!

 

[Paul]

I still don't quite understand what my thread title was supposed to mean, but glad people have got it figured, think I was a bit tired and/or busy at the time!

I'm wondering if Forumula E might warrant its own forum in the future, we'll see how much chatter starts after an event or two I guess. I hope it does! Either that or just "EV tuning and racing" forum, for those who like to make their EVs go a bit quicker, or MUCH quicker, than the norm.

 

[Thomas_Newby]

I also can't wait; I love motorsport and F1 in particular. I'm quite sure there will be some interesting technological developments which will filter their way to road cars. In the short-term I suspect this will be developments in re-gen software/strategies and battery/capacitor storage systems. In the longer term battery power density and drive system mass reduction seem obvious areas. I agree swapping vehicles isn't great but surely this is just short-term? Battery development combined with wireless recharging systems (another key development for road applications) both at pit stop and within the road should resolve this. Then there's less quantifiable factor of public awareness, apreciation and desire it will create. Alround good news for EV adoption! Imagine the day when Formula-E cars are out performing current F1 cars...

My hope is we get to the situation where the teams are given a fixed budget but are otherwise pretty much left alone to build the best car they can. I think this is missing from F1 and could really drive technological development forward.

Exciting stuff!

 

[Paul_Moxhay]

I love all forms of motor sport and having been a motor race marshal for many years (including F1 ) I too am looking forward to Formula E.

I can't imagine them racing round the streets of these major cities. It will be a spectacle I am sure and it might bring some well wanted PR for EVs.

Pity about the car swap. I would have preferred to see battery swap.

Definitely be at London

 

[Geoff]

Yes I am also keen on motor sport but! What concerns me is there will be accidents and the risk will be far greater with the high voltage that the cars run on.
Geoff

 

[Paul_Moxhay]

It is a legitimate concern for sure but... more risk than with highly flammable petrol? I suspect that the risks are real but that they could well be less than with petrol.

I suppose that is one of the things they would have carefully considered don't you?

 

[sallybuswell]

Interesting piece on Formula E. Plenty to disagree with but also gives one a feel for how it will be to watch.

http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2014/02/13/would-you-watch-an-electric-car-racing-series/

 

[brian orr]

I think it a shame that all the cars are built by one company, to one design. Frankly I've always enjoyed the 'pit talk' and all the intrigue of dodgy new developments getting found - or innovation giving a team a tempory lead.
I'm having difficulty seeing the Olympic Park being the right venue - but lets wait and see!
PS latest news on Schumacher were not good.