Formula E wraps up season 11—where does the all-EV series go next?

LONDON, ENGLAND—The electric racing series, Formula E, concluded its 11th season this past weekend in its customary venue in London. Initially, the series attempted to host races in Battersea Park, but faced significant opposition from local residents who deemed the events too disruptive. After a five-year hiatus, Formula E successfully relocated to Excel London in the Docklands, where it races both around and through the expansive exhibition center—a unique feat made possible by the use of electric vehicles, as traditional combustion engines would typically be unwelcome in such environments. Excel London serves as an ideal venue for the ePrix, benefiting from proximity to two light rail stations just a short distance from the city center. The venue is also equipped with essential amenities such as concessions and restrooms, reducing the logistical burden usually associated with temporary racing circuits. Moreover, numerous hotels are conveniently located within walking distance. While the live audience at the event was modest, Formula E primarily caters to a global viewership that engages with the sport from their screens. The excitement generated by the high-speed electric cars is expected to propel the series beyond its current 20-turn, 1.3-mile (2.09 km) layout. Looking ahead, next year will mark the final race at this location before the potential introduction of a Silverstone ePrix in 2027, coinciding with the rollout of the Gen 4 technology. Longtime fans of the sport will remember the challenges of the early Gen 1 cars, which debuted in 2014 when battery technology was less advanced, forcing drivers to rely on two identical cars to complete a 45-minute race due to limited battery capacity.