MTS improves race-winning electric motor technology for Formula E

MTS has announced further power density improvements to its industry-leading electric motor and inverter technology for motorsport. Power density—packing more power into smaller, lighter motors—is a key component of successful racing. Leveraging experience and technology gained from developing energy recovery systems for Formula 1 racecars, MTS has developed its smallest, most lightweight and powerful electric motor system to date for use in the FIA Formula E Championship Series.

Electric vehicle racing in the FIA Formula E Championship Series began four years ago and continues to evolve with the rapid advances in electric vehicle technology. In past seasons, Formula E drivers changed to a second fully-charged car mid-race due to battery range limitations. For the upcoming season, drivers will use a single car for the entire race, requiring greater engineering innovation to remain competitive. MTS’ new highly efficient, low-weight electric motor and silicon carbide inverter will be crucial to next season’s success when drivers will need more power to win, and will collect bonus points for efficiency.

Along with the thrill and challenge of racing, the FIA Formula E Championship Series provides a catalyst for advancing electric vehicle technology to the benefit of automotive manufacturers and their customers. Beyond its development of motors, inverters and award-winning solutions for recovering deceleration energy from braking, MTS has a proven history of creating highly dynamic systems to enhance racecar aerodynamics and suspension performance. Many of these systems are then used directly or with modification in the design and manufacture of passenger cars, trucks and buses.

“MTS is proud to contribute to the technological advancements in Formula E motor racing and electric vehicle development. The automotive industry is looking for ways to make electric cars more operationally efficient and mitigate the associated power losses, so vehicles can deliver better performance while traveling longer distances between recharges,” says Dr. Jeffrey Graves, MTS president and CEO. “Given the growing popularity of Formula E racing, there will be more exciting opportunities for MTS electric motor technology to increase vehicle performance and efficiency on the racetrack and the highway.”