New GENBETA car developed by Formula E and its innovation partner SABIC shatters Guinness World Records™ title

This article was revised for you on 31.07.2024 to make it easier to read!

SABIC, a global leader in diversified chemicals, formally highlighted the use of its materials in applications on the GENBETA car, the new holder of the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the fastest speed achieved by a vehicle indoors revealed and is now on display at the 2023 Hankook London E-Prix. The GENBETA car was pushed to the limit by ABB FIA Formula E World championship drivers Jake Hughes (NEOM McLaren Formula E Team) and Lucas di Grassi (Mahindra Racing) in the Duals format used to qualify for Formula E races. 

The materials from SABIC integrated into applications of the GENBETA car are highly engineered thermoplastics that enable design freedom through their inherent processing moldability compared to most other materials. Such thermoplastics can help enhance the car’s aerodynamics, contributing to its acceleration and speed performance.

The relevant applications include:

• Front wing endplates – These elements, formed using an additive manufacturing or 3D printing process known as fused deposition modeling, are mounted on the outboard extremities of the vehicle's front wing. They are integral to redirection of airflow around the front wheels to help reduce drag while contributing to the car's downforce and stability.
• Wheel fins – These components are manufactured through injection molding with SABIC's sustainable mechanically-recycled thermoplastics from the portfolio of TRUCIRCLE™ circular materials. These parts are mounted onto the wheel rims in a radial, spoke-like pattern, and are intended to help optimize airflow and reduce aerodynamic drag for higher acceleration and speed performance. As an additional benefit, the fins can increase the car's overall efficiency and aid in cooling the brakes to improve stopping power.
• Wind deflector – This transparent part is a coated thermoplastic sheet product, manufactured through an extrusion process using a bio-renewable, low-carbon material from the TRUCIRCLE portfolio. The component is attached to the front of the cockpit, ahead of the driver, and supports optimization of airflow for decreased drag – again, contributing to improved speed performance.

As SABIC collaborates with Formula E and its partners, it is drawing on an still-expanding portfolio of thermoplastics developed under dedicated solution platforms for electrification (BLUEHERO™), and the circular economy (TRUCIRCLE). First announced as the electric racing series Principal and Innovation Partner in 2022, SABIC intends to continue to work closely with Formula E to develop cutting-edge solutions that will help drive further innovation in electric vehicles technologies and progress in sustainable practices across the sport's wider ecosystem and operations. As part of its presence at the London E-Prix, SABIC participated in Formula E's sustainable innovations summit – Change. Accelerated. Live. – where they discussed in 'The Power of Prototypes' panel discussion the advantages that development projects like the GENBETA bring to the EV industry and the world.