We’ve been brave enough to create our very own virtual electric racing car to promote the #racingfortheclimate initiative. Our prototype is called the eX ZERO – ZERO stands for zero emissions, eX for “experimental”. The car was nicknamed as the “sustainable beast” by its development team and has produced some stunning racing right from the word go in the World eX Championship and in World eX Bizz.
 
eX prototypes are based on a clearly defined framework. Designers can develop their own emission-free concept cars on our platform which will be differentiated by their own body, cockpit and sound. This approach reduces the costs of development and guarantees close racing without the need of unpopular BoP (Balance of Performance).

The aim of #racingfortheclimate and the eX ZERO is to promote zero-emission mobility and innovation. So far, we’ve been deliberately focusing on electric drive. But World eX is an open platform that will deal with all innovations around sustainable mobility – this includes BEV (battery electric vehicles), FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicles) and whatever zero-emission technology will be available in the future.
 
Our eX ZERO has two electric motors generating 1,000 hp from a 85 kWh battery which currently is good for 15 minutes of flat-out, electrifying racing. Driving enjoyment and racing action have been the main focus during development of the eX ZERO. The focus on sustainability and relevance for road cars were set from the very beginning.

“With World eX, we wanted to raise awareness for modern, sustainable mobility. And we wanted it to be fun to watch and to drive,” says Mike Rockenfeller, who was in charge of developing the eX ZERO. The result is a four-wheel drive electric racer with 1,000 hp at a weight of 1,000 kilograms, a top speed of up to 384 km/h and 0–200 km/h in 4.6 seconds
 
State-of-the-art technology includes a regen system that is familiar from Formula E and WEC, in which braking energy recharges the energy storage system. It also affects the handling of the car under braking and entering the corners. In terms of aerodynamics, emphasis was placed on ensuring that the vehicles remain unhindered in the slipstream and can overtake well.

“During the development process, it was important for us to work on the car’s dynamics during on-track battles, which is important for good racing, but at the same time also the performance and drivability,” says “Rocky”. The development took place in cooperation with experienced motorsport engineers, simulation specialists and the professional racing driver himself. “I was able to contribute my experience from the DTM, sports car racing and Le Mans prototypes. When we defined the parameters, we looked into all of the existing car concepts and racing series.” As a result, the aerodynamic downforce is comparable to that of GTE sports cars. “The right balance of downforce and braking is very important. And with a slightly softer set-up and more ground clearance, we increased the mechanical grip. That makes overtaking easier,” explains “Rocky”. “After all, we want to offer maximum fun to both spectators and drivers alike.”

So far the eX ZERO has been used in two different specs: The eX1 version in the World eX Championship has full power while the use of ABS and traction control is not permitted.
 
The eX2 category offers a tamed version of the eX ZERO with 800 instead of 1,000 hp and ABS braking. This makes the car much easier to control. The eX2 version is used in World eX Bizz.
 
In order to keep the effort low, both series have opted for a fixed setup.

The eX ZERO was developed together with the specialists from Studio 397 for the rFactor 2 platform but we are also open to other simulation platforms in the future. When you download the eX ZERO from Steam we recommend to use a dedicated start setup created by Mike Rockenfeller for your first laps – remember the car’s nickname …

Get your own eX ZERO here: bit.ly/Steam_eXZERO

Category: eX1 (Experimental Prototype)
Carbon monocoque with integrated survival cell, central single seat
Total weight of the vehicle: 1,000 kg
Power: 1,000 hp
Two electric motors
Battery: 85 kWh – approx. 15 min. at racing speed
Up to 30% energy recovery during braking and idling
Sequential 2-speed carbon gearbox
F1 double wishbone suspension
Magnesium rims
Carbon brakes
Adjustable kinematics front and rear
Fully adjustable 4-way damper
Front and rear torsion bar side spring
Front and rear third element
Adjustable stabiliser front and rear
Extra low centre of gravity
54% Weight distribution front/rear axle
Vehicle length: 4,200 mm
Wheelbase: 2,520 mm
Width: 1,920 mm
Height: 960 mm
0–100 km/h: 2.3 seconds
0–200 km/h: 4.6 seconds
0–300 km/h: 9.5 seconds
Top speed: approx. 384 km/h (with lowest downforce)´