This first-generation 'Formula E' car had a power of at least 250 horsepower (190 kW). The car was able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). However, this technology as a race series was in its infancy, as a result a driver would have to make a mid-race pit stop to change cars because the batteries were not able to last a 45 minute race duration without running out of power.
[Season 9 onwards] From the ninth-season (2023), the Gen3 'Formula E' car was unveiled to the public at the 2022 Monaco ePrix. With a new sleek and compact chassis built by 'Spark Racing Technology', 'Williams Advanced Engineering' would again supply further improved batteries, and 'Hankook' would now supply the all-weather tires that incorporate bio-material and sustainable rubber. Power levels for the car are expected to be 350 kW in qualifying and 300 kW in the race, while regeneration levels will be allowed on both front (250 kW) and rear (350 kW) axles for a maximum of 600 kW recovery under braking. In previous years, each season of racing was split over 2 years (i.e. late 2014 to early-mid 2015 etc). For season-nine, the racing would take place in 2023 only.
[Seasons 5, 6, 7 and 8] From the fifth-season (2018-2019) to the eighth-season (2021-2022) the second-generation ("Gen2") 'Formula E' car was introduced and featured significant technological advances over the previous 'Spark-Renault SRT 01E' car, with the Halo cockpit protection system. The new 'Spark SRT05e' car - with its 54 kWh battery from 'McLaren Applied Technologies' and power output rising from 200 kW to 250 kW and top speed rising to around 280 km/h (174 mph). This was the first Formula E car capable of completing a full-race distance, and saw an end to the series mid-race car-swaps.
[Season 1: 2014-2015] For the first-season, a group of identical electric racing cars were built by 'Spark Racing Technology' with 'Renault' as a technical partner. The car type was called the 'Spark-Renault SRT 01E'. The chassis was designed and built in conjunction with 'Spark' of France and 'Dallara' racing cars of Italy. The battery system was created by 'Williams Advanced Engineering' and a 'Hewland' five-speed gearbox was used. 'Michelin' was the official tyre supplier. However, only for the first-season (2014-2015), the electric motor was developed by 'McLaren Electronic Systems'.
[Seasons 2, 3 and 4] From the second-season (2015-2016) to the fourth-season (2017-2018), powertrain manufacturers could build their own electric motor, inverter, gearbox and cooling system, although the chassis and battery stayed the same.