Formula E is one of the newest and most relevant forms of motorsport to emerge in the 21st century. Combining the raw elements of open-wheel, single-seater racing with the latest in electric technology and social media audience engagement, it has proven to be successful with drivers, fans, sponsors and automotive manufacturers alike.
As one of the most experienced single-seater and racing transmission companies, Hewland was a natural choice to join up with Williams Advanced Engineering and McLaren to help bring the first cars to the grid in 2014. That year, every team used the same motor, transmission and battery in common chassis.
Several seasons-on and there has been an unbundling of the regulations so that teams can start developing their own drivetrain ideas. Hewland continues to supply several teams with multi-speed transmissions although the trend is definitely towards fewer forward speeds at the moment.
Like Formula 1, Formula E will be a key development ground for EV technology which is why so many top manufacturers such as Jaguar, Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Porsche to name a few are grabbing their place on the starting grid. Hewland will use its 10-years of EV transmission experience to help its customers deliver the most efficient and competitive drivelines possible.
