BMW to enter Formula E as official manufacturer

BMW has officially announced that it will be entering the Formula E racing championship series as an official manufacturer from season 5. The company will be developing and supplying an all-new electric powertrain for the Andretti team in 2018-19 season.

Interestingly, BMW has been involved in Formula E since its inception. The German carmaker is the Official Vehicle Partner of the series and is also currently responsible for supplying the BMW i8 as the safety car and BMW i3 as the medical and course cars. However, season 5 will see the Bavarian manufacturer to make its first-ever powertrain to be used by a team for the racing series.

BMW is aiming to use the experience it gains as a manufacturer in Formula E to develop its all-electric range of passenger cars. The company is thus planning to use Formula E as a development laboratory, so that the BMW i Motorsport arm can help the group's passenger car division to enhance its electric car portfolio.