McLaren clinch battery deal

McLaren Applied Technologies will be the sole battery supplier for the FIA Formula E championship from the 2018/19 season.

McLaren's battery will have to last the length of an ePrix, keeping in line with Formula E's plan to scrap mid-race car swaps by season five.

Their supply will only last an initial two seasons, due to "the ongoing rapid development of battery technology." according to the FIA.

It will not be McLaren's first involvement with Formula E. The company supplied the motor for the common powertrain used in the all-electric championship's first season.

They will be required to submit the new battery for crash testing by June 1 2017, with a test battery being made available to teams by November 1 2017. The final version of the battery must be delivered to teams before July 2018.

Power will rise to 250kW, up from 200kW for the upcoming season, and 220kW for next season.

Porsche, Renault, Red Bull Technologies, and current supplier Williams Advanced Engineering all reportedly applied for the battery tender contract, in addition to the successful McLaren.