Audi Unveils Its First Electric Racecar

Audi has just made the announcement that could potentially upset the traditionalist in you. The company has just announced their brand new electric racecar, in Neuburg, on Wednesday night. Although the complete specs of the race car still remains a mystery, the Audi e-tron FE04 signifies the company’s ambition to switch from classic automobile manufacturer to forward thinking environmental friendly company.  

This shouldn’t come as a total surprise since the Formula E norms allow manufacturers to run an electric powertrain. The e-tron FE04 has an excellent combination of motor and transmission at the centre. According to Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, the racecar will utilize only one gear, for a high efficiency transmission, going ahead in the 2017/18 season.

“Together with our technology partner Schaeffler, we have developed a completely new powertrain,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “You can immediately tell this by looking at the new carbon housing of the powertrain. The car also sounds different because we’re pursuing new avenues in technology.”

The e-tron FE04 was unveiled by Lucas di Grassi, who won the Formula E championship for Audi back in July. The new car is easily distinguishable from last year’s model with its white, metallic green and black paint scheme. For the first time in his career, the 33-year-old will defend his title in car number ‘1’. 

Peter Mertens, Member of the Board of Management, Technical Development, AUDI AG, commenting on the occasion, said: “After nearly 40 years of being successfully active in motorsport on the highest level, Audi now becomes the first German automobile manufacturer to compete in Formula E in order to test and advance the development of new technologies for production. Following quattro, TFSI, TDI, hybrid drive and many other innovations, our first single-seater race car is a portent of our product offensive in the field of electric mobility that we are ringing in with the Audi e-tron in 2018.” 

Audi has also announced that the company has more than 20 electrified models, which include both plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars, in its garage even before the company’s initial target of 2025.

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