NIO Formula E Team took to the track in Calafat, Spain this week to commence its Season 5 Testing Programme. The practice was with the NIO 004 development chassis.
The Gen2 Formula E car will be in use for the next three seasons, starting from 2018/2019. It has almost double the energy storage capacity and double the range of the current car. The Gen2 will also enable teams to complete a full race at higher speeds, without making a mid-race car swap.
British driver Oliver Turvey was behind the wheel of the futuristic new challenger. He carried out for all driving duties this week.
Oliver Turvey
“Firstly, it was an honour and proud moment for me to be the first driver to turn a wheel in the NIO Formula E Team’s new Gen2 Formula E car this week in Calafat. As it was the first run of our new car, we ran through a number of installation and systems checks gathering data for the team.”
“My first impressions of the car are very positive; it looks fantastic and is a clear step forward in terms of performance. But now the real works starts.”
NIO Formula E Team Principal Gérry Hughes
“The NIO Formula E Team has run its Gen2 Formula E chassis at Calafat Circuit this week. It conducted an extensive powertrain systems check and initial development chassis performance programme.”
“It was great to be back at Calafat, the team’s chosen test circuit, and this week has witnessed another milestone in the history of the NIO Formula E Team with the first running of the NIO squad’s Season 5 challenger. Over the two days of track running we have completed extensive chassis and powertrain systems checks with the NIO 004 development chassis and I am happy to say that both the car and the newly formed NIO Test Team has functioned well.”
“We are now looking forward to commencing our proper Manufacturer Testing Programme with the NIO 004 development chassis in the coming months.”
So, whilst there is plenty of space left in the @NIOGlobal PP Team trophy cabinet (come on boys ?), this picture of @OliverTurvey from @Mexico S4 has pride of place above my desk pic.twitter.com/Rg1I3waQhK
— Gerry Hughes (@GerryS_Hughes) April 18, 2018