McLaren wins 2018/19 Formula E battery deal

McLaren Applied Technologies has been confirmed as the exclusive battery supplier to the Formula E championship for the 2018/19 season, when mid-race car changes will be scrapped.

Since Formula E's inception in 2014 drivers have had to switch vehicles mid-races, with batteries supplied by Williams Advanced Engineering.

Formula E organizers had long targeted the elimination of mid-race car changes for its fifth season and such an ambition is now set to be realized by McLaren.

McLaren has been given a two-season exclusivity deal, with the third generation of batteries set to be implemented for the 2020/21 campaign.

"I am absolutely delighted that a company with such a reputation for engineering excellence and expertise like McLaren Applied Technologies will be producing the new battery," said Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag.

"Over just four seasons, Formula E will have inspired a 100 per cent increase in range – a phenomenal achievement.

"We will continue to push the boundaries of electric car technology and we can expect even greater gains to be possible when the third generation of batteries arrive for season seven.