2018/2019 Formula E car test to take place this October

It was announced this morning that the first track test for the 2018/19 Formula E car is set to take place in October, but teams will have to wait longer than expected for their first runs.

From the 2018/19 season onwards the Formula E car which will be built by Spark Racing Technologies and powered by a 54kWh McLaren Applied Technologies (MAT) battery, will need to last an entire race distance therefore moving the series away from mid-race car swaps.

Spark will coordinate the October test, which is slightly behind schedule as a result of the extra time taken last summer to decide on a battery supplier.

Originally the FIA wanted to 'make available one full product package to each car manufacturer by 1st October 2017.' But the chassis crash test is scheduled for September 1 and the first collective test session which involves all teams has also been pencilled in for February 2018.

Last month, the nine registered manufacturers received initial technical information from MAT, which is the project lead in ensuring all battery system requirements and integration. The car is scheduled to be homologated in August 2018.

Among the changes for the 2018/19 Formula E is a peak power hike from 200kW to 250kW, with energy harvesting also rising to the same amount. The new car is currently due to weigh 930kg, 42kg heavier than what was initially pursued.

Part of the reason for this is that a heavier-than-expected MAT battery, which one team's technical director claimed “would be nearer 350-360kg [excluding safety structure] with 209 cells”.

Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa