Formula E

Electrification solutions for the next generation of motorsports

Championship winning Formula E electrification solutions

Ricardo is partner to a number of Formula E teams to develop bespoke solutions and drive the highest performance.

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Ricardo has been at the forefront of development of electrified motorsport since its conception. We evaluate, analyse and develop a unique range of transmissions and drive units to enable battery and motor technologies for the motorsport industry.

Maximise efficiency with Ricardo's in-house testing and development facilities to aid advancement in differential technology, lubrication management and gear engagement.

Tap into Ricardo's extensive experience in developing hybrid and electric technologies for passenger and hyper car platforms.

We are supporting the decarbonisation of the motorsports industry by enabling OEMs to bring hybrid technologies to the next generation of racing formulae.

Ricardo has used its significant experience in automotive and hypercar E-Axles, combined with technology and research developed for Formula E, to produce a new family of electric vehicle transmissions.

These off-the-shelf transmissions can be supplied to customers planning technology demonstrators or low volume production run vehicles. These units can be configured with our engineering team to suit specific requirements.

ET5-1S E-Axle

The ET5-1S E-Axle is capable of handling up to 500Nm with a maximum input speed of 12,000RPM and designed to couple with the latest range of motors from the major manufacturers, these represent an optimum balance of efficiency and performance with low cost of ownership.

With a wide range of install orientations and high strength, lightweight aluminium casings these units are ideal for direct integration into space constrained environments. Available with a choice of ratio options and including a park brake, these units are designed for customers requiring a short lead-time for product availability.

Planetary Reduction Drive (EA4-1S)

Capable of handling up to 425Nm with a maximum input speed of 20,000RPM and designed to couple with the latest range of motors from the major manufacturers, these represent an optimum balance of efficiency and performance with low cost of ownership.

Designed to offer lightweight, ready to run solutions, these units are provided with aluminium casings and are ideal for direct integration into space constrained environments and suitable for hub mounted applications.

A choice of ratio options is available subject to the packaging constraints, these units are designed for customers requiring a dual motor solution on each axle.

ET4-1S Gearbox

The ET4-1S Gearbox is capable of handling up to 400Nm with a maximum input speed of 12,000RPM and designed to couple with the latest range of motors from the major manufacturers, these represent an optimum balance of efficiency and performance with low cost of ownership.

For this application, a lightweight and compact solution was required to allow packaging into a technology demonstrator. The vertical orientation allowed easy integration within the existing engine compartment.

The vehicle was then able to be specified as a pure electric vehicle (EV) or, with the fitment of small internal combustion engine (ICE), to be reconfigured as a range extended electric vehicle (RE-EV).

Contact us to learn more and request the full specifications.

DS Performance

Case studies

Developing a transmission for Formula E

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Bespoke transmissions for autonomous race series

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Formula E Resources

Exploring Ricardo's battery assembly and facility build services

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NPI Checklist: How to get started with new product introduction

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How to scale up production and manufacturing effectively

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The valley of death is inevitable when introducing new products but how can businesses survive it?

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Key Disciplines

Formula 1

We are trusted by the World's leading Formula 1 teams to deliver championship winning transmission services and components.

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LM prototypes

Ricardo’s attention to detail and proven “built-in” endurance support for Le Mans Prototype (LMP) OEMs.

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Rally and off-road

Bespoke, cost effective, robust transmissions for some of the harshest environments.

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GT3 and GTE

GT3 and GTE compliant transmissions designed for, and proven over, the most demanding endurance races in the world.

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Book a consultation with our Formula E experts