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What is Formula Battery?

Published in Battery Calculations 2 mins read

There's no single "formula battery." The term likely refers to batteries used in Formula E racing or a general formula for calculating battery capacity. Let's explore both interpretations:

1. Formula E Batteries:

Formula E, the all-electric racing series, uses highly specialized batteries. These are not commercially available off-the-shelf batteries. Key characteristics include:

  • High Power Density: They deliver a large amount of power quickly, crucial for the high speeds and acceleration in racing.
  • Lightweight Design: Minimizing weight is essential for optimal performance.
  • Rapid Charging Capability: Formula E cars require fast charging during races.
  • Specific Cell Chemistry: The exact chemistry (e.g., lithium-ion variations) is proprietary to the series' suppliers. The battery pack's design is standardized, ensuring fair competition. Examples of companies involved include Atieva (now Lucid Motors) which designed the battery pack for Season 6.

The exact specifications (voltage, capacity, etc.) change as the technology advances with each season's regulations.

2. Battery Capacity Formula:

The capacity of a battery is commonly expressed in Amp-hours (Ah) or Watt-hours (Wh). Several formulas are used depending on the context:

  • Watt-hours (Wh) from Amp-hours (Ah) and Voltage (V): Wh = Ah × V This is a fundamental formula. For example, a 12V, 150Ah battery has a capacity of 1800 Wh (1.8 kWh).

  • Discharge Capacity (Cd): Cd = I × td where 'I' is the constant discharge current and 'td' is the discharge duration. This formula is relevant when discharging a battery at a constant current.

  • Ebike Range Estimation: A simplified formula to estimate the range of an ebike: Range (miles) = (Battery Voltage × Battery Capacity (Ah)) / (Watt-hours/mile). Note that 20 Wh/mile is often used as a rough estimate, but actual consumption varies significantly based on factors such as terrain, speed, and rider weight.

These formulas help determine the amount of energy a battery stores and its discharge characteristics. They do not describe any specific type of battery but rather apply generally to many types of battery chemistry and technologies.

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