Formula E technology partnership with Audi and eMobility strategy

On March 10, 2019 the Formula E racing series started its fifth season with the first ePrix in Hong Kong, China. There, from the beginning, as a technology partner in this fascinating form of motor racing: Würth Elektronik eiSos. Europe’s leading manufacturer of electronic components positions itself as a partner of the eMobility industry in Asia, because China is also particularly open to new mobility concepts beyond the sporting aspects of Formula E. For this reason, Würth Elektronik eiSos is rapidly expanding its sales and service network in the People’s Republic and other Asian countries. The drivers of the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team were also fast, effective and successful at the opening race: they took 2^nd and 4^th place.

Not only is the Formula E race in Berlin (May 25, 2019) a “home game” for Würth Elektronik eiSos as a technology partner of the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler racing team, but for some time now, the races in Asia too, because the company runs a large warehouse and logistics hub in Hong Kong. In neighboring Shenzhen, there is a large Quality Design Center (QDC), the spacious new building of which was only just opened in a ceremony in February by Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Reinhold Würth, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Würth Group’s Family Trusts. The QDC assumes functions in the areas of Quality Assurance, R&D, Product Qualification, Material Monitoring and After-Sales Service. This illustrates that Würth Elektronik eiSos no longer sees itself merely as a manufacturer of components, but has grown into the role of a technology enabler whose research and development advances technologies such as power management, optoelectronics and eMobility.

Partnership part of an overall concept

Würth Elektronik eiSos is involved in numerous global technology partnerships to promote the innovation driver eMobility. The support for eRacing has been a key part of this strategic concept right from the start. The focus is on the technology partnership with the Formula E team, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler. The electric speedsters not only prove the high and rapidly growing performance of electric vehicles, but also serve as a proving ground for electronic applications under extreme conditions. On board the racing car Audi e-tron FE05, there are REDCUBE terminals and a backup battery co-developed by Würth Elektronik eiSos. The electronics manufacturer is also a partner of various Formula Student teams and the University of Nottingham, which is chalking up success with an eMotorbike.

“The Formula E race in Hong Kong perfectly symbolizes our commitment in Asia: We are rapidly stepping up the expansion of our service network in the Chinese market. Here we meet a large, enthusiastic audience for our innovation field of eMobility off the race track as well. Asia now has a strong lead over Europe with its mobility concepts. Here we contribute the experience we have gained to projects and products throughout the world – so companies, the economy and society in other countries profit from our eMobility activities in Asia,” says Alexander Gerfer, CTO of the Würth Elektronik eiSos Group.

The season opener in Hong Kong proved very successful for the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team: 2^nd place for Lucas di Grassi and 4^th place for Daniel Abt.