Formula E Motors to Power Perrinn’s Project 424 Prototype

Perrinn is moving ahead with plans for its all-electric prototype, which will utilize an upgraded Formula E powertrain, as part of an ambitious effort to eventually compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The British-based constructor, which last year revealed its ‘Project 424’ initiative, has provided additional technical details of the car, which recently completed the design phase.

Led by ex-Formula 1 design and race engineer Nicolas Perrin, who also worked on the NIO EP9 electric supercar project, the car will utilize three electric motors from an existing Formula E manufacturer.

Two of the 250kW motors will be mounted on the rear axle, and one at the front, to generate a total of 750 kW, or the equivalent of 1,000 horsepower.

Perrin has not yet disclosed which Formula E manufacturer he is currently working with although claims the prototype will be able to reach top speeds in excess of 220 mph and compete in the current performance levels of LMP1 and LMP2 machinery.

Nearly one-third of the car’s targeted weight of 1,200 kg will be from its batteries.

“The first step will be to go on various tracks around the world and set new electric records,” Perrin said. “Then we will work towards our ultimate goal which is to race at the Le Mans 24 Hours and eventually win the race, with our electric car, as an open and global team.”

The open-source project, which originated as a LMP1 car for the FIA World Endurance Championship, is currently seeking funding to begin production.

“It takes about six months for construction of the car,” Perrin told Endurance-Info. “I have different contacts and I’ve made appointments with various potential partners. It’s always complicated to start a program of this type.

“It’s all a matter of time but I remain convinced of the merits of the project.. In five years, we must expect to see a significant movement towards [electrification] at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Perrin has not laid out a specific timeframe for when the car could compete at Le Mans as a Garage 56 entry, admitting that battery technology would need to advance in order to complete 70 percent of the race distance, a requirement to be classified in the race.

The Panoz GT-EV concept, which was unveiled at Le Mans last year, has proposed hot-swapping batteries during the race, although it could come with safety concerns.

Laurent Mercier contributed to this report

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John