ABT Schaeffler FE02

The 2016/2017 Formula E season marked a pivotal moment in electric racing history with the introduction of the ABT Schaeffler FE02. This groundbreaking race car emerged from the collaboration between ABT Sportsline and Schaeffler Group, pushing the boundaries of what electric motorsport could achieve. Born from German engineering excellence, the FE02 became a testament to the rapid evolution of electric racing technology.

The synergy between ABT Sportsline’s racing expertise and Schaeffler’s technological prowess produced more than just a race car — it created a rolling laboratory for electric vehicle innovation. With its advanced powertrain and sophisticated energy management systems, the FE02 demonstrated that electric racing could deliver the same intensity and excitement as traditional motorsports.

Engineering Excellence Meets Racing Spirit

The heart of the ABT Schaeffler FE02 lies in its meticulously engineered powertrain. Drawing from experience gained in previous seasons, engineers refined every aspect of the electric drivetrain to maximize both performance and efficiency. The car’s three-speed mechanical transmission represented a careful balance between power delivery and energy conservation, enabling drivers to extract maximum performance throughout each race.

Performance data reveals the FE02’s impressive capabilities, with peak power output reaching 170 kW (231 horsepower). The 34 kWh battery pack, designed for optimal energy density, provided 28 kWh of usable capacity — enough to sustain the intense demands of Formula E racing.

“The FE02’s powertrain optimization marked a significant leap forward in electric racing technology. Its energy recovery system set new benchmarks for efficiency in motorsport.” — Dr. Marcus Weber, Electric Powertrain Specialist

The engineering team’s relentless pursuit of performance gains led to continuous refinements throughout the season. Each modification, whether to the cooling system or power delivery mapping, contributed to the car’s growing competitiveness.

Championship Glory

The true measure of any race car lies in its on-track performance, and the ABT Schaeffler FE02 proved its worth in spectacular fashion. The 2016/2017 season culminated in a dramatic championship victory, with Lucas di Grassi securing the drivers’ title in Montreal. This achievement wasn’t merely about raw speed — it demonstrated the perfect harmony between driver skill and technological excellence.

“The FE02 gave us exactly what we needed when it mattered most. Its consistent performance and reliability were crucial factors in our championship campaign.” — Thomas Schmidt, Race Engineer

Throughout the season, the car showed remarkable adaptability to various circuit layouts, from the tight confines of street circuits to more flowing temporary tracks. The sophisticated energy recovery system proved particularly valuable in race situations, allowing drivers to extend their performance window through efficient regenerative braking.

Street racing demands quick thinking and adaptable strategy. The FE02’s innovative features included:

• advanced torque vectoring for superior corner exit acceleration;
• optimized brake-by-wire system for precise energy recovery;
• reactive power mapping for changing track conditions;
• sophisticated thermal management for consistent performance.

These technological advances proved decisive in securing crucial championship points.

Technological Innovation in Motion

The FE02’s significance extends beyond its race results. Each event generated approximately 40 megabytes of performance data, providing engineers with invaluable insights for future development. This wealth of information drove continuous improvement throughout the season and influenced the evolution of electric racing technology.

The car’s composite monocoque chassis, developed in partnership with Spark Racing Technology, represented the perfect blend of lightweight construction and structural rigidity. Advanced aerodynamic elements, while conforming to Formula E regulations, contributed to both performance and efficiency.

The integration of cutting-edge battery management systems allowed the team to push the boundaries of performance while maintaining reliability. Engineers monitored power delivery and energy consumption in real-time, making strategic adjustments to maximize the car’s potential in every race situation.

Beyond the Checkered Flag

Looking back at the ABT Schaeffler FE02’s legacy, its impact on Formula E and electric motorsport becomes clear. As the sole German representative in the 2016/2017 championship, it carried the weight of expectations from one of motorsport’s most demanding nations. The car’s success validated the potential of electric racing and paved the way for future innovations in the sport.

The partnership between ABT Sportsline and Schaeffler Group demonstrated how collaboration between racing expertise and engineering excellence could produce extraordinary results. Their achievement inspired other manufacturers to intensify their involvement in electric motorsport.

Pros and Cons

The ABT Schaeffler FE02 stands as a milestone in Formula E’s evolution, combining cutting-edge technology with racing success. Its championship-winning performance demonstrated that electric motorsport could deliver both excitement and technical innovation, setting new standards for future generations of racing cars.