Spark SRT05e
The Spark SRT05e, also known as the Gen2 car, is a fully electric single-seater racing chassis developed by Spark Racing Technology in collaboration with the FIA for the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, serving as the standardized base vehicle for all teams from Season 5 (2018–19) through Season 8 (2021–22).[1] It succeeded the SRT01-e (Gen1) and marked a significant evolution in electric racing technology by doubling the battery capacity to 54 kWh, enabling drivers to complete full race distances of approximately 45 minutes plus one lap without the need for mid-race car swaps that characterized earlier seasons.[2][1] Unveiled in concept form in February 2017 and fully revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the SRT05e was designed to enhance performance, safety, and sustainability while adhering to Formula E's spec-series format, where teams focus on powertrain development around the common chassis.[3] Key specifications include a minimum weight of 900 kg (including driver), a wheelbase of 3,100 mm, an overall width of 1,770 mm, maximum power output of 250 kW (with 200 kW available in race mode and up to 250 kW for regeneration), and a top speed of 280 km/h.[1][3] The chassis incorporates advanced aerodynamics with fully enclosed wheels, a low-drag bodywork design without a traditional rear wing, and a carbon fiber and aluminum monocoque structure for improved efficiency and rigidity.[2][4] Notable innovations in the SRT05e include the introduction of the halo cockpit protection device—a titanium bar shielding the driver's head—integrated LED front and rear lighting for better visibility during night races, and a more powerful electric motor setup that accelerated the shift toward road-relevant electric vehicle technologies.[2] A mid-cycle update, known as the Gen2 Evo, was implemented for Season 8 (2021–22), featuring minor aerodynamic tweaks and increased power to 220 kW in race mode to bridge the gap to the incoming Gen3 car.[1] During its tenure, the chassis powered iconic victories and championships, including those by drivers like Jean-Éric Vergne, António Félix da Costa, and Nyck de Vries, while attracting major manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-EQ, and Porsche to the series.[1] The SRT05e's development underscored Spark Racing Technology's role as the FIA's exclusive chassis supplier since 2013, emphasizing lightweight materials, energy recovery systems, and zero-emission racing to advance sustainable motorsport.[5]Development
Initial development
The Spark SRT05e was developed as the successor to the SRT01-e chassis used in the inaugural seasons of the FIA Formula E Championship, with a key objective to enhance energy storage and extend range sufficiently to enable drivers to complete full race distances without the need for mid-race car swaps.[6] On 28 September 2016, McLaren Applied Technologies was selected by the FIA World Motor Sport Council as the exclusive supplier of batteries for the Gen2 car, set for use in seasons five and six (2018/19 and 2019/20), featuring a design that nearly doubles the energy storage capacity of its predecessor.[6] Spark Racing Technology was appointed as the chassis constructor for the Gen2 specification, partnering with Italian engineering firm Dallara for design and structural support to meet the series' performance and safety requirements.[7][8] Théophile Gouzin served as technical director at Spark Racing Technology, overseeing the integration of aerodynamic, structural, and powertrain elements into a cohesive platform.[9][10] Development progressed to on-track validation in 2017, with initial circuit testing conducted at Monteblanco in southern Spain during October to assess endurance and reliability over simulated race conditions.[11] Porsche factory driver Frédéric Makowiecki participated in these early evaluation sessions, providing feedback on handling and systems integration alongside other professional drivers.[12] The SRT05e made its official public debut on 6 March 2018 at the Geneva International Motor Show, where the prototype was unveiled by FIA President Jean Todt and Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag, marking the transition to a new era of single-chassis racing in the series.[13][14]Gen2EVO variant
The Gen2EVO variant was proposed on 18 January 2019 as an evolutionary update to the Gen2 chassis, intended for introduction in the 2020–21 Formula E season to extend the overall lifecycle of the Gen2 platform to four seasons.[15] Key planned upgrades focused on safety and performance enhancements, including revised aerodynamics with updated front and rear wings and a dorsal fin to improve airflow management and generate additional downforce.[16][17] The variant was unveiled digitally on 4 February 2020, with a physical debut originally scheduled for the Geneva International Motor Show.[17] Its introduction was first postponed on 9 April 2020 to the 2021–22 season as part of cost-saving measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, before being fully cancelled on 19 August 2020 to accelerate the transition to the Gen3 chassis for 2021–22, prioritizing financial relief for teams and rapid technological progress.[18][19] This decision enabled the series to continue using the base Gen2 chassis through the 2021–22 season, with a minor interim update increasing race power to 220 kW, maintaining stability amid economic pressures.[20][21]Design and specifications
Chassis and dimensions
The chassis of the Spark SRT05e consists of a carbon fibre and aluminium monocoque structure, constructed by Spark Racing Technology in collaboration with Dallara engineering to ensure rigidity, lightweight performance, and enhanced handling in electric racing conditions.[22][23] This monocoque design integrates the core structural elements, providing a balance of strength and reduced mass that contributes to the vehicle's overall stability and responsiveness on the track. Key dimensions of the SRT05e are outlined below, reflecting its compact yet aerodynamic profile tailored for urban circuit racing:| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 5160 mm |
| Width | 1770 mm |
| Height | 1050 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3100 mm |
| Front axle track | 1553 mm |
| Rear axle track | 1505 mm |