Williams: Formula E battery power to increase to 170 kW for season two; 70 kWh pack for Evoque-E
11 September 2015
Williams Advanced Engineering, the sole supplier of the battery packs for the FIA Formula E Championship, confirmed that the maximum power output of the batteries for the racers will increase to 170kW during each race in season two of the Championship.
The 28 kWh (maximum usable) battery packs, which use cells from XALT Energy (earlier post), were initially designed to meet season one technical specifications from the FIA and operated during a race at a maximum power of 133 kW. Following successful pre-season testing this was increased to 150kW for the start of season one to increase the performance of the cars.
The batteries showed excellent reliability during season one, with only one on track failure during the eleven races when operating at 150kW.
Following a number of tests in recent months to assess the feasibility of a further power increase, Williams confirmed that all teams will now be able to race with a maximum power of 170 kW during each ePrix. Season two of the FIA Formula E Championship kicks off in Beijing on 24 October 2015.
Evoque_E. Separately, Williams Advanced Engineering is showcasing a 70 kWh battery pack it developed for the electric Range Rover Evoque on display at this year’s CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle event. (Earlier post.)
This “Evoque-E” is a bespoke research demonstrator based on Jaguar Land Rover’s aluminium vehicle architecture. The underbody was modified to mount the 70 kWh high voltage lithium-ion traction battery and electric axle drive (EAD) units. The front drive unit features a single speed transmission coupled with an 85 kW electric motor. The rear drive unit features a twin speed transmission coupled with a 145 kW electric motor.
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For this project, Williams’ scope of this project was to manage material logistics and build and test one pack for the Evoque_E vehicle. Williams Advanced Engineering has subsequently created detail processes for the future productionization of this technology, including detailed work instructions to ensure overall quality and consistency of a build and the ability for future products to be cell-agnostic.
The Concept_e technologies are the output of an advanced powertrain research programme for state-of-the-art, next-generation hybrid and battery-electric powertrain technologies which began in 2013. Led by Jaguar Land Rover, this two-year £16.3-million research project is part-funded by Innovate UK and involves 12 UK technology partners that include Williams Advanced Engineering.
I'm surprised Williams went along with the power increase with that same battery pack that was originally designed for 133kW. I'm GLAD they did it, but surprised. I hope people don't blame them if it turns out to be too much for the cars over race distances and especially in hot climates. Anyway, hoping for the best.
This really changes the racing factors. Now it is going to come down much more to who has the most efficient power train because they'll be burning through the energy much faster. When they really floor it, the drivers are going to have to learn to be even more strategic with their driving style because they'll be limping home...or not making it at all.
Posted by: DaveD | 12 September 2015 at 08:16 AM