2021 Lotus E-R9 Concept

A design study looking at the concept of future long distance endurance racing with an all-electric powertrain. Lotus are considering the idea of what racing cars will look like in the year 2030, racing events like the 24 hours of Le Mans powered by a pure electric setup.

The E-R9 concept car is a purely digital creation at this point with no performance numbers to speak of, but there is some interesting tech proposed for this futuristic racer. Firstly there is the adaptive aerodynamics, a function that can be very beneficial to increasing downforce and reducing drag when appropriate. The E-R9 has a proposed system of ‘morphing’ surfaces that can change on demand to guide airflow as needed in a similar way to aero vectoring fighter jets use.

The real issue with electric endurance racing cars is the range of a single charge. In 2030, battery technology will no doubt be improved with higher densities and faster recharging, but will that be enough to do a 24 hour race without long stints recharging in the pits? Perhaps a setup of replacing the entire battery pack quickly and easily can be developed, so the other pack can charge while the car is out on the track. Or maybe the Formula E method of just hoping into a second car is the way go to.