Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi confirms full Formula E entry for 2017/18

Premium German manufacturer will take over the ABT Schaeffler outfit with a full Audi works entry

ABT Formula E Berlin 2016/17

Audi has confirmed that it will fully enter Formula E later this year, joining a growing list of major carmakers getting involved with the all-electric racing series.

Alongside the likes of Jaguar and Renault, Audi will join the grid as a works outfit for the 2017-18 season onwards, which begins this December.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best electric cars on sale 2017

The firm’s confirmation of entry means that all three of Germany’s big premium brands will have a stake in the series in the near future. BMW currently has a technical partnership with the Andretti team and is evaluating a full works entry, while Mercedes holds an option to enter the sport in the 2018/19 season.

Audi has been associated with Formula E since the sport’s inaugural season in 2014, supporting the ABT Sportsline entry by lending its name and badge, while more recently offering financial and technical support. Next season it will completely take over, to create the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team.

A new racing powertrain for next season is currently under development by both Audi and technology partner Schaeffler, and initial tests have taken place.

Dr Peter Mertens, board member for Technical Development at Audi, said: “That Audi will be the first German automobile manufacturer to be actively involved in the racing series starting next season is also a clear commitment of our brand to electric mobility”.

Naturally, Audi’s efforts in Formula E will serve as a testing bed for powertrain technology to be used in the firm’s next generation electric cars, the first of which will be released in early 2018. Called the e-tron, it’ll be an all-electric SUV with a range of around 310 miles. The firm is plotting to release at least three new EVs by 2020.

Is Formula E a good idea for carmakers with electric ambitions? Tell us your thoughts in the comments...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

When is an Audi not an Audi? When it's an AUDI!
Opinion - AUDI

When is an Audi not an Audi? When it's an AUDI!

Editor Paul Barker tries to get his head around why Audi’s joint venture with SAIC has been called AUDI
Opinion
13 Nov 2024
Audi E Concept launches new China-only sub brand that’s, confusingly, called AUDI
Audi E Concept - front

Audi E Concept launches new China-only sub brand that’s, confusingly, called AUDI

The joint venture between Audi and SAIC will launch in 2025, and the new E Concept reveals its styling direction
News
8 Nov 2024
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
6 Nov 2024
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: new cars and highlights
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 - MG sculpture

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: new cars and highlights

2024’s Goodwood Festival of Speed was a celebration of over 130 years of engine tech, but it also looked well into the future
News
17 Jul 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
20 Nov 2024