Audi confirms full formula E entry for 2017/18

Audi has verified that it will completely go into formula E later this year, joining a growing listing of major carmakers getting included with the all-electric racing series.
Alongside the likes of Jaguar as well as Renault, Audi will join the grid as a works attire for the 2017-18 season onwards, which begins this December.
Advertisement – short article continues below

• finest electric vehicles on sale 2017
The firm’s confirmation of entry implies that all three of Germany’s huge premium brands will have a stake in the series in the near future. BMW currently has a technical partnership with the Andretti team as well as is evaluating a full works entry, while Mercedes holds an choice to go into the sport in the 2018/19 season.
Audi has been connected with formula E because the sport’s inaugural season in 2014, supporting the ABT Sportsline entry by financing its name as well as badge, while much more just recently providing monetary as well as technical support. next season it will totally take over, to produce the Audi sport ABT Schaeffler team.
A new racing powertrain for next season is currently under advancement by both Audi as well as innovation partner Schaeffler, as well as preliminary tests have taken place.
Dr Peter Mertens, board member for technical advancement at Audi, said: “That Audi will be the very first German automobile producer to be actively included in the racing series starting next season is likewise a remove commitment of our brand to electric mobility”.
Naturally, Audi’s efforts in formula E will serve as a testing bed for powertrain innovation to be utilized in the firm’s next generation electric cars, the very first of which will be released in early 2018. Called the e-tron, it’ll be an all-electric SUV with a variety of around 310 miles. The firm is plotting to release at least three new EVs by 2020.
Is formula E a great concept for carmakers with electric ambitions? tell us your thoughts in the comments…