Formula E could get brake-by-wire systems

Brake-by-wire systems are one of the technologies the FIA is considering introducing to Formula E.

The current generation of FE car has the power to harvest energy under braking, but it’s a basic system, and teams have welcomed the introduction of the brake-by-wire system. This would allow drivers to control the rear brakes and tailor the amount of energy generated. The move would be a major step forward for the series, but the FIA is yet to make a final decision.

“We can do it, yes,” Professor Burkard Goschel, president of the FIA’s Electric and New Energies Championship Commission, told Autosport. “It is under investigation at the moment on how we go into this.”

Dragon Racing’s technical manager, Nicolas Maduit, said he was sure “there will be some active braking systems” by the 2018/19 season.

The technology involved in FE is rapidly developing. Brake-by-wire systems are not the only things being looked into by the FIA for introduction in the future.

One thing that has been suggested, included by front runner Lucas Di Grassi in a press conference ahead of the Paris ePrix, is a front motor. Goschel doesn’t think that will be introduced soon.

“It’s is far too early to talk about a [front] motor,” he said. “I think this could come for 2021/22, possibly.

“I think the regulations and roadmap needs to move on but it needs to be careful on costs also.

“We need to see what is happening in the car industry. Electric technology is moving fast and we need to match it and stay relevant.”