The fifth season of the FIA Formula E Championship is hailed as a landmark season for the emerging electric, open-wheel series. The next round of technological enhancements will see the cars drop from two cars used to one per race, to go along with advances to the powertrain, and that will fall into line with the new cycle of homologation for the chassis and battery.
Nine manufacturers have been homologated for that three-year period starting with season five, 2018-2019, through to season seven of 2020-2021.
Confirmed manufacturers are:
- ABT Formel E
- BMW AG
- DS Automobiles
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Mahindra Racing
- NextEV NIO
- Penske Autosport
- Renault
- Venturi Automobiles
Noteworthy here is the inclusion of Penske Autosport as a name - Jay Penske’s Dragon Racing team, in partnership with Faraday Future, has been on the grid since the series’ inception but not with the Penske name.
Additionally, Mercedes isn’t present at the moment. Mercedes signed an agreement in October 2016 where it had the option to enter the championship for season five. The lack of Mercedes being listed here does not mean they won’t race but it could mean it’s just a customer entry.
Alas, the significant increase in manufacturer involvement speaks to the growth of the championship and has exceeded Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag’s forecasted predictions.
“The mission of the FIA Formula E Championship is to act as a platform to advance the development of electric vehicle technology and alternative energy solutions - this hinges on the participation of automotive and component manufacturers,” Agag said in a release.
“When we launched the series in 2012, we had forecast to secure at least three manufacturers by season Five. The news today has highlighted the number and quality of manufacturers joining the championship and tripling our initial expectations. This just goes to show the relevance of Formula E to the motor industry and as an attractive proposition to new audiences and commercial partners, such as the recent agreement with Allianz.”