Co-founder of the FE Formula E Championship: In discussions with multiple Chinese manufacturers about cooperation | Latest news

The FIA Formula E World Championship is gaining more attention from young people.

Since its first race in Beijing in 2014, Formula E has held a total of nine races in China, including stops in Sanya, Hong Kong, and most recently, Shanghai. Both the organizers and the FIA view China as a central stage for global electric mobility.

China is one of the markets with the highest penetration rates of new energy vehicles globally. The wave of electric vehicle consumption is reshaping the automotive culture landscape for the younger generation. The achievements of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra on the Nürburgring in Germany have further broadened the horizons of young consumers.

They are no longer solely focused on range and intelligence but are starting to crave the thrill of the racetrack and speed. This is precisely the core value that Formula E offers.

Formula E Shanghai ePrix 2025

Alberto Longo, co-founder and Chief Competition Officer of Formula E, told 36Kr that beyond the basic rules set by the FIA, what sets Formula E apart as an electric vehicle racing series is the fresh challenges brought about by "pure electric" propulsion.

On one hand, the qualifying format in Formula E is completely different from other racing series, where drivers must strive to earn points in every race. On the other hand, Formula E teams' pit stops are required to charge the car's battery to 10% in just 30 seconds, and drivers must ensure their vehicles have enough power to cross the finish line.

"Inspired by Super Mario, we hope to balance competitiveness and entertainment through these mechanisms to attract young audiences," Alberto told 36Kr.

James Barclay, Team Principal of Jaguar TCS Racing, told 36Kr that "coordination" is the key to winning in Formula E. Factors such as managing the car's battery level, planning pit stops, and coordinating with teammates all play a crucial role in determining the final outcome.

"My role is like that of an orchestra conductor - I don't need to be an expert on every instrument, but I need to ensure that 150 top talents work together to create a perfect symphony. Motorsport combines technology, business, and humanity in a way that is far more complex than traditional sports like football, and that's what makes it so appealing."

Beyond the rules, the racing cars themselves are also a major focus for Chinese consumers.

The Gen3 cars used in the 2024 - 2025 season represent a significant breakthrough in Formula E history. Public information shows that the Gen3 cars can be fully charged in 45 minutes (at a charging power of 80kW) and support a 30 - second fast - charging technology with a charging power of up to 450kW or 600kW.

James Barclay introduced Jaguar's seventh - generation racing car, the Jaguar I - Type 7, a vehicle built to the Gen3 Evo specifications, to 36Kr.

Under the new Formula E rules, cars are only allowed to use four - wheel drive during qualifying, the attack mode, and the start of the race, and must use rear - wheel drive for the rest of the time. James said, "To meet these requirements, we redesigned over 1000 components, optimizing the synergy between the mechanical structure and the software system to ensure the vehicle achieves the highest level of efficiency and handling. For Formula E, making it easier for drivers to operate the car means greater stability and better performance."

Regarding the weight of the car, another crucial factor, James said that due to the minimum weight requirement set by the FIA, Jaguar was unable to reduce the overall weight of the car. "However, by optimizing the weight distribution of the components, we lowered the car's center of gravity. This improves cornering performance - a higher cornering speed means better energy efficiency, which is crucial for both qualifying and the main race."

Jaguar's pursuit of perfection in the Gen3 Evo car is a microcosm of the intense technological competition in Formula E. This pursuit of ultimate performance and efficiency is highly consistent with the core values of China's booming electric vehicle industry.

Alberto emphasized to 36Kr that China is at the forefront of the electrification wave, as demonstrated by BYD's recent release of 1 - megawatt ultra - fast charging technology. Formula E is also considering collaborating with Chinese automakers. "We are in discussions with several Chinese manufacturers and look forward to having Chinese teams or drivers participate in the future."

Chinese brands like BYD and Xiaomi, which have accumulated significant expertise in electrification and intelligent technology, need a globally recognized, top - tier racing platform like Formula E, which focuses solely on electric technology, to validate and showcase their capabilities. Their participation will not only diversify the racing lineup but also introduce China's most advanced electric technology concepts into the core competition of the series.

Meanwhile, Formula E's strategic plan for the Chinese market is becoming increasingly clear. Alberto revealed that "the Chinese market is a strategic priority for us," and they plan to "add a new Chinese race next year." Although the location has not been announced, the goal is to "cover more cities."

This is not just an expansion of the racing series but also a crucial step for China to transition from a market leader to a definer of technological rules and automotive culture in the global electric mobility era. The Chinese chapter of Formula E is turning a new page filled with speed and passion.