Trulli in a Formula E

[PG_Gabriel]

Jarno Trulli conducted the first test of the Formula E car with the full power race batteries. I am very impressed with the car, could be a lot of fun to watch! Assuming all of their stupid rules do not spoil the show..

I love how little grip the tires seem to have, it is great fun watching the car wiggle around the track 

[Scott]

I don't like the front wheel aero bits...saw that car at the Geneva show

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swissfamilydonaldson/13329684233/in/set-72157642739974074
 

[Ian]

Sounds like the old milk floats we used to have.

[PG_Gabriel]

Great photos scott! And yes, I don't think the car is very ascetically pleasing..

[cosworth151]

Good to see Jarno back in a single seater.

Why is he wearing a fireproof suit with no gas in the car? Maybe a rubber driver's suit to insulate him from the electric. 

[lkjohnson1950]

The batteries are probably flammable. Most of the newer high tech ones are.

[cosworth151]

Just joking a bit.

[Jericoke]

Just joking a bit.

That is an interesting point though:  is he wearing a standard flame retardant suit, or is he wearing something that would deal with the possible effects of a e-car crash?

What dangers are there?  It seems that fire is still a risk, as well as electrocution.  Is it possible to get an acid burn from a ruptured battery?

I'd like to think they've thought this through, but motorsport is notoriously reactive instead of proactive when it comes to safety measures.

[lkjohnson1950]

Not sure about acid burns, but if they are using lithium-polymer cells, the active chemicals ignite when exposed to heat and O2, often violently. Action starts about 1:45:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdfBd92nEcQ&oref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DqdfBd92nEcQ&has_verified=1