Williams Advanced Engineering announces and increase in Formula E Battery Power

Williams Advanced Engineering, the sole supplier of the batteries for the FIA Formula E Championship, can confirm that the maximum power output of the batteries will increase to 170kW during each race in season two of the Championship.

The batteries were initially designed to meet season one technical specifications from the FIA and operated during a race at a maximum power of 133kW. Following successful pre-season testing this was increased to 150kW for the start of season one to increase the performance of the cars.

The batteries showed excellent reliability during season one, with only one on track failure during the eleven races when operating at 150kW. Both Williams Advanced Engineering and Formula E are keen to test this new technology to its limits and to use Formula E as a vehicle for technology progression. Following a number of tests in recent months to assess the feasibility of a further power increase, it can now be confirmed that all teams will now be able to race with a maximum power of 170kW during each ePrix. Season two of the FIA Formula E Championship kicks off in Beijing on 24th October 2015.

Commenting on the power increase Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering, said; “Formula E is all about pushing electric vehicle technology to its limits and showcasing its evolution to the public. Williams Advanced Engineering is working on a diverse portfolio of electric and hybrid vehicle projects and the learnings from Formula E are invaluable in developing our technology. During season two the batteries will now be operating at 30% more power than they were initially designed for and we have upgraded certain components and worked closely with the teams to make sure that this is sustainable without significantly affecting reliability. With this development the cars will be travelling faster during each race which will help keep Formula E as an exciting racing series.”

Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag added; “The development of future battery technologies is fundamental to the ethos of the championship. Formula E is all about showcasing the progression of electric vehicle technology and thanks to the battery development from Williams Advanced Engineering we will see faster, more efficient and exciting racing this coming season.”