Schaeffler provides electric drive train for German Formula E team

As season two of the first international series for fully electrically driven Formula E cars begins, Schaeffler is starting a new chapter in its long and successful history in motor sport. As the exclusive technology partner to the ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport team, the company has developed the complete drive train for the electric Formula E car ABT Schaeffler FE01. "Electric mobility as a whole, which includes hybrid solutions and electric driving, will largely determine the future of mobility," says Prof. Dr. Peter Gutzmer, Chief Technology Officer at Schaeffler. "Our involvement with Formula E puts us in an ideal position to set the standard. It serves as a model: Our engineers should push the envelope and seek out the competition - both in production and in motor sport." Schaeffler has been the only German team's strategic partner from the very beginning and, in developing the drive train from the engine and transmission, has now taken the next step. Optimized torque, improved, peak efficiency, and high reliability - these are the key points of the engine that bears the name ABT Schaeffler MGU 01. It includes a new three-speed transmission as well as an optimized chassis and the corresponding software. "We have tackled every area allowed by the regulations and, together with our partners, have developed specific, optimized solutions," explains Prof. Dr. Peter Gutzmer, who is responsible for the developments in his position as CTO at Schaeffler. "Schaeffler's expertise and years of experience in electric mobility make it the perfect partner for the challenges of the future," explains team leader and managing director Hans-J¨¹rgen Abt. "Ours is an intensive and committed collaboration. We have set ourselves some ambitious targets in Formula E, but I am sure that we have the perfect setup. Just from the first races, we can see that we have made the right decisions." Daniel Abt (23) and Lucas di Grassi (31), who finished third in the team standings in season one, are once again in the cockpits of the fully electrical Formula E cars. The German/South American pair is facing strong competition. Ex-Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve will also be on the starting grid, as will Nico Prost, Bruno Senna, and Nick Heidfeld. Brazil¡¯s Nelson Piquet jr, will be defending his title. Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport starts the season successfully Season two of the FIA Formula E championship began well for the team. Two thrilling races, and the team is leading the driver and team standings after Lucas di Grassi's win in Malaysia. The ABT Schaeffler driver tops the driver standings with 39 points after two of eleven races ahead of S¨¦bastien Buemi (Renault) and Sam Bird (DS Virgin). Competition between the Formula E teams has stepped up to another level compared to season one. "We are very pleased with our ABT Schaeffler FE01 electric car and our start to the season. The three-speed solution we have developed, the engine and transmission setup, and the software are all working well. And the optimum combination of performance and efficiency we have achieved is very encouraging. There is more work to do on the setup as well as continuing to work with the drivers to improve specific details," says Dr. Simon Opel who is responsible for special motor sport projects at Schaeffler. Three more races in North and South America After the races in China, Malaysia, and Uruguay, three more races will take place in North and South America. These are in Buenos Aires (February 6), Mexico City (March 12), and Los Angeles (April 2) before the championship heads off to Europe. Mexico City is a new event in the FIA Formula E international calendar, as is Paris, where the championship returns to Europe on April 23.