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McLaren wins Formula E battery tender for season five

Geneva Motor Show 2016

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 02: A McLaren logo is displayed during the Geneva Motor Show 2016 on March 2, 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)

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McLaren Applied Technologies has won the race to become Formula E’s exclusive battery supplier from its fifth season.

As confirmed by the FIA on Wednesday following the World Motor Sport Council’s meeting, McLaren saw off competition from Porsche, Red Bull Technologies, Williams Advanced Engineering and Mahindra to take over the tender from the 2018/2019 campaign.

From season five, Formula E plans for cars to be able to complete a single race with a single battery charge. Drivers currently swap to a second car at half-distance.

“The FIA previously launched a tender for the exclusive supply of batteries for the FIA Formula E Championship, with the aim of implementing technology that will allow drivers to complete a full race without changing cars mid-race from season five,” a statement from the FIA reads.

“At the conclusion of the tender process, and with the support of independent experts, the World Motor Sport Council has chosen McLaren Applied Technologies as the exclusive battery supplier for the 2018-19 (Season 5) and 2019-20 seasons.

“The decision was made to limit the term of this agreement to two seasons in light of the ongoing rapid development of battery technology.”

“We’re delighted McLaren has been chosen by the FIA to be the sole supplier of batteries to Formula E from 2018 to 2020,” said Rodi Basso, motorsport director of McLaren Applied Technologies.

“Our new battery will almost double the energy storage, eliminating the need for drivers to swap cars during a race.

“As well as providing a global showcase for our sustainable technologies, this win provides another example of McLaren Applied Technologies’ vision to work closely with series partners to do our bit to help make the fan experience quicker and slicker.”

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