# Formula E Car Completes Successful First Test - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/formula-e-first-test/ - Published: 2014-02-08T02:28:41-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy **The Formula E test debut** marked an important step toward the launch of the world’s first global all-electric racing championship. The Spark-Renault SRT_01E completed early laps in France with Lucas di Grassi behind the wheel, giving engineers their first real-world look at the new electric race platform. ## Formula E Completed Its First Track Test [⌊Spark-Renault SRT 01E Formula E car during its first test run in France⌉⌊Spark- Renault SRT 01E Formula E car during its first test run in France⌉[ **Fully-electric Spark-Renault SRT_01E breaks cover at La Ferte Gaucher circuit** LA FERTÉ GAUCHER, FRANCE, (21 November, 2013) – Formula E’s new fully-electric race car, the Spark-Renault SRT_01E, completed is successful test debut recently at the La Ferté Gaucher circuit near Choisy-le-Roi, France. ## The Test Focused on Reliability First Unveiled earlier this year (September) at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new single- seater was driven by Lucas di Grassi who will be undertaking the early test and development work. The zero emission car completed around 40 laps over two days with the initial task of checking all systems were functioning correctly. For the test, the car was fitted with a 50kw battery which is a quarter of the maximum 200kw power( 270bhp equivalent) the final car will produce. > It is a great feeling to be driving the Formula E car for the first time,” said > Di Grassi. “I can assure all the drivers will have a lot of fun with this car – > even with just a quarter of the power it has quite a lot of grip and the electric > motor produces huge torque.” The SRT_01E has been designed and built by French based Spark Racing Technology together with a consortium of the leading manufacturers in motorsport, and will compete in the inaugural FIA [Formula E](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/07/ds-formula-e-race-recap-a-lesson-in-momentum/) Championship – the world’s first global electric race series beginning in September 2014. The chassis has been constructed by Dallara, with McLaren Electronics Systems providing the electric motor, gearbox and electronics, Williams Advanced Engineering the batteries, Renault the overall systems integration and Michelin the tyres. **Frédéric Vasseur, President of Spark Racing Technology, said: “Everything went very well and it was a very positive maiden run for the Spark-Renault SRT_01E. The car ran for around 40 laps with no issues straight out of the box, which looks good for the overall reliability. We were also running with a much smaller battery than we will use – just 25% of the full power – which again gives us confidence going forward. The next test is planned for the coming weeks where we want to increase the mileage on the car, working our way up to a full race simulation.”** _Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship promoters Formula E Holdings, added: “The first test was a historic moment for the championship and we’re delighted with how it has gone. We think teams, drivers and fans will love the way it looks and sounds. Now Frédéric and his team, together with Lucas, will begin to put mileage on the car, focusing on durability. It’s a very exciting development and we can’t wait for that first race in Beijing in September 2014 to see all 20 cars lined-up on the grid.”_ For more information, including video footage and a full gallery of the first test, visit [www.fiaformulae.com](https://www.fiaformulae.com/en) Photo caption: 1) The new Spark-Renault SRT_01E during its maiden test run at the La Ferté Gaucher circuit [⌊Formula E Spark-Renault SRT 01E electric race car during early testing⌉⌊Formula E Spark-Renault SRT 01E electric race car during early testing⌉[ ## Conclusion: Formula E Started as a Technology Test Bed The Formula E test debut was about more than racing. It created a public laboratory for batteries, electric motors, power electronics and regenerative braking. That made Formula E relevant to the broader EV market from the beginning. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. 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