Porsche Unveils Latest Formula E Challenger, The Porsche 99X Gen 3

As in other motorsport events, new technical changes or new generations are said to provide a level playing field for all teams, especially the lower tier ones. This ‘clean’ slate gives teams the opportunity to come up with the best iterations, and some might even exploit said regulation changes by capitalising on loopholes and gaps. Don’t take our word for it, just ask Formula 1’s Brawn GP.

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is entering its ninth season next year and, thanks to the influx of electric performance cars in recent years, many manufacturers are now interested in partaking in it.

One of those manufacturers is Porsche, who made their Formula E debut back in 2019, is a key presence on the sport’s grid and paddock. Despite being in the game for only three years, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team has already recorded one race win and a further six podium finishes – promising feats for a rookie team.

Ushering the new era of Formula E, Porsche unveiled its latest generation contender, dubbed as the Porsche 99X Electric Gen 3. This next-gen contender promises better performance thanks to upgrades performed throughout the car inside and out.

Developed at the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach, the Gen 3 99X is the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient EV racer to date. The powertrain, developed in-house by Porsche Motorsport, gets much-needed improvements. Its rear axle output has increased from 250 kW to 350 kW – that’s 476 HP for you petrolheads out there.

This power bump also sees the Gen 3 99X getting an enhanced energy recovery system whereby it’s now capable of up to 600 kW of energy recovery output – more than double the regenerative capability of the Gen2 Formula E car it succeeds.

In spite of the power increase, the Gen 3 cars are capable of reaching about 95% of power efficiency, with over 40% of it being supplied via its regenerative braking.

Key to Formula E is the sustainability element. The Gen 3 99Xs’ battery cells are made of sustainably-sourced minerals that are fully recyclable. For its carbon fibre bodywork, the materials are derived from previously retired Gen 2 cars.

In terms of design, the third-gen 99X trades its predecessor’s Batmobile-esque look for a new one with sharp angles and a triangular-shaped chassis. Also gone now are the wheel covers, with these latest gen Formula E cars mirroring their Formula 1 counterparts closely now, which in turn makes them true open-wheel cars now.

The 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship charges up next year with the season-opening Mexico City ePrix on Jan 14, 2023.