Formula E – a magnet for car manufacturers

Mercedes’ recent announcement that it has secured a Formula E entry for the 2018/19 season makes it the latest in a line of major road car manufacturers who have committed to the all-electric racing series. With the third season of the series due to kick off this weekend in Hong Kong, we give you a run-down of all the car manufacturers currently on the grid, as well as those set to join them soon.

Renault (Team name: Renault e.Dams)

Having won two constructors’ titles in as many seasons, Renault is the most successful team in Formula E. Founded by Formula 1 legend Alain Prost and Dams founder Jean-Paul Driot, the team is well-prepared for Formula E with its comparatively long history of electric cars, and an electric powertrain designed in-house by Renault Sport F1. The team has retained Sebastian Buemi and Nico Prost as its drivers for the upcoming season.

Mahindra (Team name: Mahindra Racing)

Formula E’s sole Indian team, Mahindra Racing, has been participating in the series since its inaugural 2014/15 season. This season, the team has replaced Brazilian driver Bruno Senna with Felix Rosenqvist, who joins Nick Heidfeld in taking the wheel. The manufacturer has been using Formula E technology to further develop the vehicles produced by its electric mobility division, Mahindra Electric.

Venturi (Team name: Venturi Formula E)

Little-known car manufacturer Venturi, originating in Monaco, has competed in Formula E since the 2014/15 season, as well as having recently taken the electric land speed record. The team is owned by Venturi boss Gildo Pallanca Pastor and Leonardo DiCaprio. Maro Engel and Stephane Sarrazin will be piloting the team’s car this season.

Jaguar (Team name: Panasonic Jaguar Racing)

Jaguar recently announced the official launch of its factory Formula E team for the 2016/17 season, marking its return to motorsport for the first time in over 10 years. The technology Jaguar develops in its Formula E effort will undoubtedly influence its upcoming electric cars, including an all-new, all-electric SUV. Former F1 driver Adam Carroll and 21-year-old Mitch Evans will be driving Jaguar’s I-Type 1 Formula E car this season.

DS (Team name: DS Virgin Racing)

The PSA Group’s upmarket DS brand also competes in Formula E, having entered the race series in the 2015/16 season. Like many of its competitors, the brand has entered Formula E to develop its electric car technologies for road cars, as well as reach new potential customers, according to DS CEO Yves Bonnefont. The team’s driver line-up for this season includes Sam Bird and Jose Maria Lopez.