When Formula E launched its first race in 2014, many motorsport fans saw it as a novelty- an experimental series with quiet cars and city circuits and compact city circuits that challenge traditional ideas of racing.
Fast forward to today, and Formula E has started to find it’s place. Formula E has become a critical platform for EV innovation and a growing force in motorsport. But is it going to be the future of racing?
The Electric Revolution in Racing
At first glance, Formula E looks similar to Formula 1: sleek open-wheel cars, big name manufacturers, and world class drivers. But underneath it operates on entirely different principles.
- Electric Powertrains: Formula E cars are 100% electric, producing zero emissions at the point of use. They deliver instant torque and impressive acceleration- but without the deafening roar of a combustion engine.
- Regenerative Braking: Cars can recover energy under braking, turning kinetic force into usable battery power. It’s not just about going fast- it’s about managing energy intelligently.
- Urban Circuits: Unlike most racing series, Formula E races on tight, twisting circuits carved into the streets of major cities. This brings the action to fans and makes racing more accessible, while also showcasing EV viability in real-world urban environments.
Why Formula E Exists
Formula E isn’t just about racing- it’s about purpose-driven innovation. The championship was created with a mission: to help combat climate change by accelerating the global shift toward electric mobility. Key goals of the series include:
- Raising awareness of climate issues and clean transportation
- Pushing EV technology forward through competitive development
- Reducing carbon emissions across all operations
- Inspiring new generations of engineers, drivers, and fans to care about sustainability.
Since 2020, Formula E has operated as a net-zero carbon sport, offsetting its emissions and continuously improving it’s environmental footprint- from sustainable logistics to 100% renewable energy powering the races.
Innovation On and Off the Track
While Formula 1 often leads in high-end hybrid performance, Formula E is where the real-world electric vehicle innovations are stress-tested.
With major automakers like Jaguar, Porsche and Nissan using Formula E as a proving ground, the lessons learned in race conditions are quickly making their way into commercial EVs. Key innovations include:
- Advanced battery management systems
- Efficient inverters and power electronics
- Lightweight materials and aerodynamics
- Energy recovery systems (regen tech)
The Gen3 car, the latest evolution introduced in 2023, is the most efficient Formula E car yet:
- Top speed: Over 200mph (320 km/h)
- Power: Up to 600 kW of regenerative braking (no rear brakes needed)
- Weight reduction: Lighter and faster than Gen2 cars
- Sustainability: Batteries made with recycling
These advancements not only enhance performance but also feed directly into the consumer electric car market, making EVs better for the wider population too.
Can it Compete with Formula 1?
Formula 1 is the undisputed giant of motorsport- decades of legacy, global fanbases, iconic drivers, and enormous budgets. But while F1 leans into hybrid engines and gradual sustainability shifts, Formula E is already fully electric and future facing. The two series serve different roles:
- Formula 1: The peak of speed, power and elite racing tradition
- Formula E: The forefront of innovation, urban racing and sustainability
Formula E may not (yet) match F1’s top speeds or audience size, but it’s carving a distinct identity:
- Races are shorter and more unpredictable
- City circuits bring racing to new demographics
- A younger, more eco-conscious fanbase is tuning in
- Manufacturers see value in aligning with a sustainable image
Importantly, Formula E is helping motorsport evolve- not by replacing F1, but providing a complementary vision as to what racing can be in a more sustainable world.
The Future of Formula E
As the automotive world transitions away from internal combustion engines, Formula E is set to grow in both relevance and reach. What’s next?
- New manufacturers: Expect more global automakers to join as they shift to EV production
- Gen4 developments: Even faster, smarter and more sustainable cars are already in the works
- Expanded fan experience: More interactive formats, gamification and AR/ VR integration are being explored.
- Hydrogen and battery innovation: Formula E may evolve to test next-gen clean technologies beyond lithium-ion batteries
- More cities: As urban air pollution becomes a pressing issue, more cities may open their streets to electric racing.
Supporting EV Teams with Moorgate Finance
As motorsport evolves to embrace cleaner, electric technology, the financial side of racing is also shifting. Teams, manufacturers, and private entrants are investing in new types of vehicles, tools and infrastructure- whether it’s building EV-ready workshops or purchasing electric race cars.
This is where Moorgate Finance comes in.
As a trusted partner in motorsport finance, Moorgate helps teams, drivers and racing organisations secure tailored financial solutions for everything from vehicle acquisition and transportation to equipment upgrades and storage.
✅ Financing for electric vehicles and hybrid race vehicles
✅ Flexible loan and lease options for Formula E teams, support crews and suppliers
✅ Capital solutions for EV infrastructure, including charging stations
Whether you’re a traditional team exploring the transition to EVs or a new entrant focusing on sustainability from day one, Moorgate can help. We offer flexible and competitive finance packages that puts you in the driving seat and helps you win the race.
Call us on 01908 92 62 62 or click apply now to start a no-obligation conversation with us.