Feature

Powering the electric revolution of racing and the road

Williams Advanced Engineering was the sole supplier of the battery system for the entire Formula E grid since the fully-electric FIA racing series began in 2014 to the end of season 4 in 2018.

03/06/2019 11:23:47

The company's battery expertise originated from Formula One, following the introduction of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) – including new batteries and battery management systems – into the sport in 2009. The challenge was significant. The Formula E battery had to propel cars to speeds of up to 140mph, yet still be practical in terms of safety, aerodynamics, range and recharging times.

Safety was at its core; it was the first lithium-ion battery to have passed stringent FIA crash testing regulations and met stringent air safety regulations to be transported around the world to support the global race calendar.

Over four seasons, there were only two on-track failures and the equivalent of more than 1,000 cars have raced using the battery since the championship started, representing a success rate of more than 99.5 percent. The total distance travelled by Williams-supplied Formula E batteries is 240,000kms – the same as a trip from the Earth to the Moon.

Read the full article in the June issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.