Just Electric

Williams Advanced Engineering wins Queen’s Award

Williams Advanced Engineering has been recognised by the Queen for its work to transfer Formula E technology to road cars.

The company, which has been the sole supplier of batteries in FE since the series’ inception, has used its motorsport experience to become a world leader in battery technology.

It’s this work that has earned it the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and Innovation.

“We are honoured to have been recognised by Her Majesty with this award for the industry-leading work of Williams Advanced Engineering in delivering a world-first that will light the way for the future of sustainable transport,” said managing director Craig Wilson.

“I pay tribute to our team that has powered Formula E from the beginning at such a high level of innovation, performance, service, and reliability.

“Motorsport has traditionally been the test bed for new technologies, particularly in mobility and automotive applications. This next generation of motorsport has already established itself as a technology innovator, with battery technology already feeding into many sectors and growing in importance.

FE batteries must pass a strict set of guidelines, including the need to last two full seasons, pass FIA crash tests, and air travel regulations.

“The battery has safety at its core,” Wilson explained. “It’s the first lithium-ion battery to have passed stringent FIA crash testing regulations. It has also had to meet stringent air safety regulations in order to be transported around the world to support the global calendar of events. Furthermore, each battery was required to last two full seasons – requiring exceptional reliability for such a new technology in challenging environments – and they had to be produced in race ready condition in less than 12 months.”

Williams Advanced Engineering’s experience in FE has led to the company’s growth over the past three years and it has worked with manufacturers such as Aston Martin to transfer the race technology to road cars.

McLaren will take over as Formula E battery supplier from season five (2018-19).

 

Image credit: Williams Advanced Engineering

Bethonie Waring

Privacy Policy

Click here to read our Privacy Policy.

%d bloggers like this: