Schaeffler (www.schaeffler.com) has been involved in the Formula E racing series from the outset — designing, developing and building the powertrain for the only German Formula E racing car in partnership with Team ABT since the 2015/2016 season.

With Audi(www.audi.com) entering the series with a factory-backed commitment for the fourth season (beginning later this year), Schaeffler and Audi have signed a three-year technology co-operation agreement.

This will include joint work on the electric motor, suspension and power electronics for the powertrain. The basic concept for the next-generation powertrain of the Formula E racing car has been finalised, and some of
its components are already being tested.

Behind the scenes, Schaeffler and Audi have already been working together in some areas, but this agreement raises the partnership to a higher level, with a long-term focus.

Peter Gutzmer, Schaeffler’s chief technology officer, said: “We are delighted to have agreed this partnership with Audi in Formula E for the next three years.

“We have been innovatively co-operating with Audi for many decades, both in motor-sport and in the development and manufacture of components for production cars, and I am sure that both partners are going to give their best to this joint effort.”

As well as contributing its expertise to Formula E, Schaeffler has been pioneering electric mobility for the road.

The company’s development team dedicated to components for electric vehicles has recently doubled in size, and it has direct access to know-how from the race track for its projects.

Professor Gutzmer added: “The Formula E commitment helps us gain a better understanding of the electric mobility environment and systems.”