"In fact, there will be two different bodywork configurations, one for high downforce and the other with less. But that doesn't mean Formula E teams will run out and build wind tunnels, like their F1 counterparts. "There's significant gains that can be made out of software improvements, efficiency improvements, powertrain developments," said Dodds, so there's no incentive to spend lots of money on aero development that would only add fractions of a second."
"Formula E wants its technology to be road-relevant, so such driver aids will be unlimited in the Gen4 era. But efficiency will remain of utmost importance; the cars will still have to regenerate 40 percent of the energy they need to finish the race, as the 55 kWh battery is not sufficient to go flat-out to the end. Happily for the drivers, the new car can regen up to 700 kW of energy under braking."
Gen4 Formula E cars will use two bodywork configurations for different downforce levels while avoiding costly aero development. Performance gains are expected from software, efficiency, and powertrain improvements rather than wind-tunnel aero work. Traction control and antilock braking systems will be unrestricted to maintain road relevance. Cars must regenerate 40 percent of race energy because the 55 kWh battery cannot sustain flat-out running, and braking can recover up to 700 kW. The race car is entirely recyclable and contains 20 percent recycled content. The Gen4 chassis completed over 5,000 miles of testing, and teams are receiving chassis ahead of upcoming seasons.
Read at Ars Technica
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