Here's The New Formula E Car And Its Non-Ugly Halo Device

Formula E is currently into its fourth season and for the series’ entire existence it has been using the same car. For season five, which runs across 2018/19, a new car is being introduced. And it isn’t just your run of the mill single-seater; oh no.

In fact, with enclosed wheels, the new car challenges the very idea of what a single-seater race car is. Couple that with wild aero - like the small rear wings over the wheels in place of the one traditional large one - and you’ve got a seriously futuristic looking racer. And given that the electric cars are supposed to be the transport of the future, doesn’t that seem appropriate?

Like all new FIA single-seater championships Formula E will have to adopt the Halo head protection device. On the likes of Formula 1 cars it looks rather clumsy and to be honest, pretty hideous, but in this case it actually doesn’t look too bad. It’s like the rest of the car was designed around it.

There’s more to the car than just those electrifying Wipeout-style looks, though. The cars are set to be much faster and more efficient than the current gen is, with smaller, lighter batteries giving as much as double the range. That’ll put an end to those awkward mid-race car changes, a stumbling block for many in their enjoyment of Formula E up until now.

The car is set to be used for the next three seasons, during which time BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche will all join existing competitors like Audi and Jaguar, albeit quietly. Bring it on!