Tesla Boosts Formula SAE Racing Teams

Tesla is spreading its footprint in electric motorsports as a new sponsor of Formula SAE teams, providing the racing teams with discounted hardware and free battery cells.

A program of SAE International, Formula SAE holds student competitions challenging groups to “conceive, design, fabricate, develop, and compete with small, formula-style vehicles.”

Tesla has long been part of a global electric vehicle market expected to reach $802.81 billion by 2027.

The application deadline for a sponsorship ends Wednesday, and teams can choose between two types of sponsorships:

• Up to 1,000 high-performance 18650 free cylindrical cells — either high-energy or high-power.
• An 80% discount on Enpaq supplies — maxed at nearly $22,700.

The company says it’s hired a number of former Formula SAE students over the years, and the partnerships match with “Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.” 

Teams will also be able to review designs with Tesla engineers.

Tesla’s Background

Despite selling $1 billion in Tesla shares on Tuesday, Elon Musk continues to build up Tesla. On Wednesday, reports surfaced that the company’s Tesla Model 3 would likely become Europe’s bestselling all-electric vehicle in 2021.

Tesla has also dabbled in electric racing. Despite not entering any Formula E races, the company’s high-end Model S Plaid went around the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in September, reportedly scoring a lap record for electric vehicles.