Williams Advanced Engineering to supply battery units to Formula E

Williams F1 have announce that Williams Advanced Engineering, the division of the Williams group that commercialises Formula One based technologies, is to partner with Spark Racing Technology to design and assemble a battery system for the 42 cars that will be used in the FIA Formula E Championship.

Spark Racing Technology was created in 2012 and is focused on the manufacture of the cars that will compete in the FIA Formula E Championship, the world’s first fully electric racing series that begins in 2014. Williams Advanced Engineering has signed an exclusive agreement with Spark Racing Technology and will be the sole supplier of battery technology to Formula E.

Williams’ battery energy storage capability first originated from its Formula One programme following the introduction of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) into the sport in 2009. Under the Williams Advanced Engineering brand name, Williams is now active in developing both battery and flywheel energy storage systems for motorsport and non-motorsport applications. This has included developing a flywheel hybrid system for Audi’s Le Mans winning R18 e-tron quattro, a flywheel system for London buses with GoAhead Group, and a battery hybrid system for the Jaguar C-X75 supercar.

Frederic Vasseur, President of Spark Racing Technology, commented; “I am delighted to welcome Williams into our new ambitious project. The vast experience from Williams and especially from Williams Advanced Engineering in the field of hybrid systems and electric engine power, guarantees quality. Spark Racing Technology is extremely proud to bring together some of the biggest names in motorsport and expects no less from Williams as they accompany us in the highest level of the first world championship for electric cars.”

Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal of Williams, added; “We are delighted to be partnering with Spark Racing Technology to introduce our battery technology into their cars for next year’s FIA Formula E Championship. This is an exciting new racing series that will play a key role in highlighting the growing relevance of technologies originally developed for motorsport to the wider world. Energy efficiency is an important issue for Williams and whilst our work in this field is now spanning a number of market sectors beyond racing, motorsport will always be the ultimate proving ground for our technologies. Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly important part of the automotive industry and Formula E is the perfect opportunity for Williams to validate the latest developments in battery technology.”

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