Development of the car started in September 2012. Lucas di Grassi was appointed as official test driver, demonstrating the prototype, the Formulec EF01. The Formulec EF01 featured a chassis constructed by Mercedes GP and motors built by Siemens. The car was used for the official promotion video and for demonstrations in host cities. On 1 November 2012, McLaren Electronic Systems was announced to provide the electric motor, transmission and electronics for Formula E. The Formula E organisation ordered 42 cars from Spark Racing Technology. For this order Spark partnered with well renowned formula car manufacturer Dallara. Michelin was announced as an exclusive tyre-supplier on 28 March 2013. On 15 May 2013 Renault was announced as technical partner of Spark Racing Technology. Renault's experience in the Renault Z.E. (Zero Emission) and Formula One programmes will be used to put to Formula E's advantage. On the same day, Formula E unveiled the design of the Spark-Renault SRT_01E. The battery design was in the hands of Williams Advanced Engineering, part of the Williams Group to which the Formula One team belongs.
WheelsAge.org '2005–Prot.