Spark SRT05e

The Gen2 is a more advanced and futuristic version of the Spark-Renault SRT_01E car. The rollhoop section resembles the Gen1's rollhoop section, but with the new Halo head protection system. Like its predecessor, the Gen2 runs on Michelin Pilot Sport All-Weather tyres. Unlike Gen1, the Gen2 is capable of picking up the revolutionary ATTACK MODE introduced in the 2018-19 Formula E season. On the front of the car, the front nose is sharper, making the car more aerodynamic. On the front tyres, there are two tyre covers that ensure the airflow doesn't directly hit the front tyres. In lieu of a rear wing, the Gen2 features two struts with mini rear wings for downforce. The car can sprint from 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 280km/h, 40km/h faster than Gen1. The Gen2 car also has better handling and cornering capabilities.

On September 28 2016, McLaren Applied Technologies was announced to have won the tender to exclusively supply batteries for the Gen2 car.[4][5] Initially, the tender called for the battery to be supplied for two seasons, before it was announced subsequently that battery development would only be opened up for the 3rd Generation car, to reduce development costs for teams.[6]

On 9 January 2017, Spark Racing Technology was announced to have won the tender to supply chassis for the 2nd Generation Formula E Car.[7] On 12 February 2017, concept images of the 2nd Generation Formula E car were released.[8]

In September 2017, the SRT05e had its first shakedown run, held in secret at the Circuit Ecuyers, in Reims, France, with Anthoine Hubert at the wheel. The shakedown was used to evaluate the performance of the new battery, with the car completing over 400km of mileage, but running without the Halo driver protection device, or fully installed bodywork. [9]

In October 2017, the SRT05e successfully completed its first endurance tests held across three days, at the Monteblanco Circuit in Spain, once again, without the halo cockpit protection system, but with the full bodywork of the car installed. Four full-race simulations were also conducted across the three days, with Anthoine Hubert and Frederic Makowiecki at the wheel of the car.[10]

On 1 December 2017, the FIA, as well as Formula E Holdings announced via Press Release, that they would renew their exclusive partnership with Michelin to supply tyres for the Championship until 2021.[11]

On 30 January 2018, the SRT05e was revealed online with a series of computer generated images.[12] The launch date for the car was also set at 6 March, at the Geneva International Motor show.[13]

On 6 March 2018, the SRT05e was launched at the Geneva International Motor show by FIA President Jean Todt, as well as Formula E Holdings CEO Alejandro Agag.[14] The car was also revealed to be the first-ever race car to be fully conceived and project-led by the FIA, with the FIA organising the concept from design, through manufacture.[15]

The first manufacturer group test took place, behind closed doors at the Monteblanco Circuit in Spain from 28–30 March 2018. The track was modified to include two specially-inserted temporary chicanes, on the front and back straight, with lap times estimated to be around the 1:01 mark. On the first day of testing alone, 2000km of running was achieved among the teams.[16]

It was later confirmed on 18 January 2019, that similar to its predecessor, the SRT01-e, the SRT05e would also undergo a bodywork update ahead of its intended 3rd season of competition, the 2020–21 season, while the car would also see its use extended until the 2021–22 season.[17]

Subsequently, due to the Gen2 car being much stronger than the original SRT01-e car, leading to the drivers becoming more aggressive and increased contact between the cars,[18] it was decided that the newer front of the car would be designed to be more fragile, in a bid to punish drivers for making excessive contact, and to force them into pitting for repairs. [19]

On February 4th, 2020, Formula E unveiled the new design, name Gen2EVO.[20]

Teams are able to use their own motor designs homologated with the FIA, or may procure one from an existing manufacturer with an FIA homologated design, at a cost of no more than €250,000.

The charging is done by the teams before the race.

The cars are shod with 18in Michelin Pilot Sport All-Weather tyres, and are expected to last a whole race weekend, with one set of tyres per car.[21] Compared to the tyres on the previous car, the tyres are 2kg lighter at the front and 2.5kg lighter at the rear, allowing for a decrease of 9kg per 4 tyres.[22]