Spark-Renault SRT 01E explained

Car Name:	Spark-Renault SRT_01E
Category:	FIA Formula E Championship
Constructor:	Dallara Spark Racing Technology
Designer:	Frédéric Vasseur Théophile Gouzin (Technical Director)^[1]
Successor:	SRT05e
Team:	Amlin Aguri Andretti Autosport Audi Sport Abt China Racing Dragon Racing e.dams Mahindra Racing Trulli GP Venturi Grand Prix Virgin Racing
Chassis:	Carbon fibre and aluminium monocoque
Front Suspension:	Double steel wishbones, pushrod operated with twin dampers and torsion bars
Rear Suspension:	Spring
Length:	5000mm
Width:	1800mm
Height:	1250mm
Track:	13000NaN0
Electric Motor:	McLaren Electronic Systems Motor Generator Unit
Electric Motor Position:	mid-mounted
Gearbox Name:	Hewland
Gears:	five-speed
Type:	sequential paddle-shift gearbox
Battery:	28kWh Li-ion by Williams Advanced Engineering
Power:	Max power 200kW; power-saving race mode restricted to 150kW; additional push-to-pass providing 30kW
Weight:	898kg (1,980lb) including driver (minimum weight required)
Tyres:	Michelin

The Spark-Renault SRT_01E, also known as the SRT01-e (since the 2015–16 season) or the Spark Gen1 (after the introduction of the successive Gen2 chassis), was an electric formula race car designed for the inaugural season of Formula E, in 2014–15. The car was the result of a 10-month collaboration between Spark Racing Technology, McLaren Electronic Systems, Williams Advanced Engineering, Dallara and Renault.^[2] The car was used until the end of Formula E's fourth season in 2018, after which it was replaced by the SRT05e.^[3]

Development

Development of the car started in September 2012. Lucas di Grassi was appointed as official test driver, demonstrating the prototype, the Formulec EF01 (built in 2010).^{[4] [5]} The Formulec EF01 featured a chassis constructed by Mercedes GP and motors built by Siemens. The car was used for the official promotion video and for demonstrations in host cities.

On 1 November 2012, McLaren Electronic Systems was announced to provide the electric motor, transmission and electronics for Formula E.^[6] The Formula E organisation ordered 42 cars from Spark Racing Technology. For this order Spark partnered with well renowned formula car manufacturer Dallara.^[7]

Michelin was announced as an exclusive tyre-supplier on 28 March 2013. On 15 May 2013 Renault was announced as technical partner of Spark Racing Technology. Renault's experience in the Renault Z.E. (Zero Emission) and Formula One programmes will be used to put to Formula E's advantage.^[8] On the same day, Formula E unveiled the design of the Spark-Renault SRT_01E.

The battery design was in the hands of Williams Advanced Engineering, part of the Williams Group to which the Formula One team belongs.^[9]

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, on 10 September 2013, the Spark-Renault SRT_01E was revealed by FIA president Jean Todt and Formula E Holdings CEO Alejandro Agag.^[10]

On 3 July 2014, the first official trial of the cars took place in Donington Park, England. The trial ended around 21 August with each team running all four of their cars completing a combined total of 1222 laps.^{[11] [12]} The fastest time was 1:29.920, recorded by the Abt team – a McLaren MP4-12C recorded a lap time of 1:29.679 during the 2012 British GT season.

Technology

RESS

The Spark-Renault SRT_01E featured a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS). According to Appendix J article 251 3.1.7 of the ISC, the RESS is the complete energy storage device, comprising an energy storage medium (e.g. flywheel, capacitor or battery).^[13] The design of the RESS is free but must be homologated by the FIA.^[14] Part of the RESS is the traction batteries and the Battery Management System, these are supplied by Williams Advanced Engineering.

Electric motor

The electric motor is built by McLaren Electronic Technologies. The motor weighs 26 kg and produces a maximum of 270 bhp with 140Nm of instant torque. The motor was originally developed for the McLaren P1 road car.^[15]

Charging

According to the regulations, the Formula E cars can be charged during practice, qualifying, the race and some other specified moments during a raceweekend.^[16] Drayson Racing and its technical partner QualcommHALO are developing a way to wirelessly charge the car.^[17] The wireless electric vehicle charging (WEVC) system uses a pad under a parking space to charge the car. The system is tested on the electric Drayson B12/69EV, a modified version of the Lola B08/60.^[18]

Tyres

The car was shod with 18-inch tyres. The FIA Formula E championship uses a tyre which is suitable for wet and dry conditions. The exclusive tyre supplier Michelin will only make one compound available, so there will be no hard or soft compounds like in Formula 1. The tyre is expected to last the whole race weekend.^[19]

Technical specifications

Design

• Aerodynamics optimized to facilitate overtaking
• High ride height sensitivity and wide range of suspension set up possibilities to tackle the city centre streets
• Cost-effectiveness
• Compliant to FIA safety regulations

Technology

• Use of latest technology
• Compromise between performance and cost-effectiveness wherever possible
• Extensive use of composite materials but limited usage of the most expensive carbon-fibres

Dimensions

• Overall length: 5000mm (max)
• Overall width: 1800mm (max)
• Overall height: 1250mm (max)
• Track width: 1300mm (min)
• Ride Height: 75mm (max)
• Overall weight (inc driver): 888kg (1,958lb) (min) // Batteries alone 320kg (710lb)

Power

• Max power (limited): 200kW, approx 230lk=onNaNlk=on torque (estimated)^[20]
• Race mode (power-saving): 170kW
• FanBoost: Additional 30kW
• Power-to-weight ratio: 0.30 hp/kg.

Maximum power will be available during practice and qualifying sessions. During races, power-saving mode will apply with the push-to-pass system temporarily allowing maximum power for a limited time.The amount of energy that can be delivered to the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) by the Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) is limited to 30 kWh. This will be monitored by the FIA.

Performance

• Acceleration: 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3 s — Estimated
• Maximum speed: 225kph (FIA limited)

Final performance figures are still to be verified.

Motors

• MGU by McLaren
• Maximum of two MGUs allowed
• MGUs must be linked only to the rear axle
• The use of traction control is forbidden

Traction battery

• The traction battery is a 28 kWh Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) and supplies electric energy to the Power Circuit and thus to the traction motor. Any onboard battery electrically connected to the Power Circuit is considered to be an integral part of the vehicle's traction battery

Rechargeable Energy Storage System

• A Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) is a system that is designed to propel the car via the electric motor. In order to comply they must be:
  • FIA Standard
  • The maximum weight of the Battery Cells and/or Capacitor of the RESS must not be higher than 200 kg
  • All Battery Cells must be certified to UN Transportation Standards as a minimum requirement

Chassis

The Dallara built car features:

• Chassis / Survival cell — Carbon/aluminium honeycomb structure
• Front and rear wing — Carbon structures and Aero styling
• Bodywork — Carbon — Kevlar honeycomb structures

Gearbox

• Hewland paddle-shift sequential gearbox
• Fixed gear ratios to reduce costs

Brakes

• Standard two separate Hydraulic systems, operated by the same pedal
• Brake material is a free choice
• Calipers; the section of each caliper piston must be circular

The body of the calipers must be made from aluminium alloy

Wheels and tyres

• Bespoke 18" treaded Michelin tyres for use on both wet and dry conditions/surfaces
• Championship specific wheel dimensions
• O.Z. Racing Magnesium wheels. Max width — front 260mm / rear 305mm. Max Diameter — front 650mm / rear 690mm

Electronics

• McLaren Electronics ECU/GCU including data logging system
• Power supply management unit
• CAN data acquisition pre-equipment
• FIA Marshalling system
• Beacon receiver
• Telemetry is not permitted

Suspension

• Double-steel wishbones, pushrod-operated, twin-dampers and torsion bars suspension (front) and spring suspension (rear)
• Adjustable ride height, camber and toe
• Two way (front) / Four-way (rear) adjustable Koni dampers
• Adjustable anti-roll bar (front/rear)

Steering system

• Non-assisted rack and pinion steering system (power assistance is allowed)
• Steering wheel with dashboard, marshaling display, gear change, and clutch paddles

Safety

• FIA safety standards including front, side, rear, and steering column impact tests
• Front and rear roll hoop, impact structures, and monocoque push tests
• Anti-intrusion survival cell protection panels
• Wheel-retainer safety cables
• Extinguisher system (electronically operated)

Camera equipment

• Roll hoop, nose cone and face shot camera pre-equipment^[21]

In video games

The series commissioned established sim racing developer MAK-Corp to create the SRT_01E for their Hyperstimulator Simulators for use at promotional events for the series. MAK-Corp's car is not available for public use. The car also features in Turn 10 Studios' game Forza Motorsport 5, Studio 397's rFactor 2 and EA's Real Racing 3 mobile game.^[22]

External links

• Official website
• Spark Racing Technology website
• Formula E on the FIA website

Notes and References

1. Web site: Spark Racing Technology: The grand challenge of electric motor racing. 2 February 2015. Motorsport.com. 6 May 2024.
2. Web site: Formula E: Is this the future of motor racing?. Racecar Engineering. 10 September 2013. 11 September 2013.
3. Web site: Spark Racing Technology to develop Formula E Season 5 car. Spark Racing Technologies. 1 November 2017. 13 November 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171113154016/http://www.sparkracingtechnology.com/en/content/spark-racing-technology-develop-formula-e-season-5-car. dead.
4. Web site: Formula E appoints Lucas di Grassi as test driver. FIA Formula E. 11 September 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131213044413/http://www.fiaformulae.com/news/formulae-appoints-di-grassi-development-driver. 13 December 2013.
5. Web site: Présentation/La Vision. Formulec. 11 September 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130917064002/http://www.formulec.org/projet_presentation.html. 17 September 2013.
6. Web site: McLaren to power new FIA Formula E Championship. FIA Formula E. 11 September 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130805150607/http://www.fiaformulae.com/news/mclaren-to-power-formula-e. 5 August 2013.
7. Web site: Dallara to work with FIA Formula E. FIA Formula E. 11 September 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130805150556/http://www.fiaformulae.com/news/dallara-to-work-with-fia-formula-e. 5 August 2013.
8. Web site: Renault signs as Technical Partner for the FIA Formula E Championship. FIA Formula E. 11 September 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130920115935/http://www.fiaformulae.com/news/renault-signs-as-technical-partner. 20 September 2013.
9. Web site: Spark Racing Technology announces partnership with Williams. FIA Formula E. 11 September 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130920012934/http://www.fiaformulae.com/news/Spark-RT-announces-partnership-with-Williams-Advanced-Engineering. 20 September 2013.
10. Web site: Formula E unveils new Spark-Renault SRT_01E at Frankfurt Motor Show. FIA Formula E. 11 September 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130913001000/http://www.fiaformulae.com/news/formula-e-unveils-new-car. 13 September 2013.
11. Web site: Formula E racing cars make Donington Park debut. Leicester Mercury. 3 July 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140914180809/http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Formula-E-racing-cars-make-Donington-Park-debut/story-21323862-detail/story.html. 14 September 2014.
12. Web site: Results from Formula E's final test at Donington Park. BizNews.com. 21 August 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140914200913/http://www.biznews.com/motoring/2014/08/results-formula-es-final-test-donington-park/. 14 September 2014.
13. Book: Article 251 - Classification et Définitions. 2012. Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. 9.
14. Web site: INVITATIONTOTENDER FOR SOLE SUPPLY CONTRACT — TENDER SUMMARYANDADDITIONAL TENDER REQUIREMENTS. Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. 12 September 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131212115350/http://argent.fia.com/web/appeloffre.nsf/CB121972BF7806D4C1257B01005E0662/$FILE/Tyres%20Formula%20E%202013%2001%2028%20for%20publication%203.pdf?openelement. 12 December 2013.
15. Web site: McLaren the power behind Formula E. motorsport.com. 11 September 2013.
16. Web site: Rules & Regulations. FIA Formula E. 12 September 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130925010654/http://www.fiaformulae.com/guide/rules. 25 September 2013.
17. Web site: Technology — Wireless Charging. Drayson Racing. 12 September 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130831214758/http://www.draysonracingfe.com/technology.html?Wireless-Charging-3. 31 August 2013.
18. Web site: Announcing our new wireless agreement with Qualcomm Inc. Drayson Racing Technologies. 12 September 2013. 17 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150717004021/http://www.draysonracingtechnologies.com/news_article.html?Announcing-our-new-wireless-agreement-with-Qualcomm-Inc-41. dead.
19. Web site: Official Tyre Supplier: Michelin. FIA Formula E. 23 August 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140729073505/http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/guide/car.aspx?page=1336. 29 July 2014.
20. Web site: 2014 Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula e Race Car @ Top Speed. 6 August 2013.
21. Web site: FIA Formula E Technical Specifications. fiaformulae.com. 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20151130065244/http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/guide/car.aspx?page=1334. 2015-11-30.
22. Web site: 'Mak Corp Formula E Car Unveiled'. 3 September 2014. 25 February 2015.