Improving the Safety of Li-Ion Batteries in Electric Motorsport

The concerns about greenhouse gas emissions from conventional cars and their impact on the environment have certainly accelerated the switch to electric mobility, as electric powertrains are inherently cleaner and more efficient. Without doubt, this is the biggest innovation change in the automotive industry in decades. Battery technology is rapidly evolving, overcoming all kinds of emerging challenges relating to the performance, safety, and life of lithium-ion batteries for electric road vehicles. However, when it comes to pushing the boundaries of battery technology and electrification, there is no tougher environment than motorsport. The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the first single-seater series for electric cars, offers irrefutable proof of the role of motorsport in accelerating technological innovation that will later be transferred to road cars. The Gen 3 FE battery, supplied by WAE Technologies (formerly Williams Advanced Engineering), has showcased an impressive step forward compared to the previous generation. The new battery, introduced in the 2022-2023 season, has stepped up the output power from 250 KW to 350 KW, whilst reducing mass by 101 kg and adding an incredible 600 KW fast charge and regen capability. The FIA Extreme E Championship, an electric SUV off-road racing series, is another excellent example of how motorsport is being used as a platform to test and develop new battery technologies. The battery packs, developed by WAE, have been specifically designed and developed to withstand extreme environments, conditions, and terrains from the Arctic to the jungle and desert, producing a maximum power output of 470 kW (equivalent to approx. 630 bhp).

This article appeared in the April 2023 Issue of BENCHMARK.