BMW joins Formula E’s electric revolution

BMW has joined the all-electric revolution, confirming its registration as a Formula E powertrain manufacturer.

The German car giant will continue its present technical cooperation with team Andretti – to “bring in some know-how” and “gain data” – ahead of a planned “full entry” in 2018, a BMW spokesperson told CNN.

The Formula E series started with the same powertrain used by all the teams, supplied by Spark Racing Technologies and based around a single eMotor supplied by McLaren.

As the burgeoning motorsport has developed, so have the electric motors. Season two and three have brought teams freedom to develop their own designs, culminating in the diverse range of powertrains we see today.

BMW’s participation, along with the likes of Renault and Jaguar, shows electric racing’s increasing “relevance to the motor industry” in the words of Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag.

With nine powertrain providers approved – ABT Formel E, DS Automobiles, Mahindra Racing, NextEV NIO, Penske Autosport and Venturi Automobiles are the other six – Agag said the sport had “tripled” its initial targets set out for season five.

BMW has already been involved in Formula E courtesy of its safety and medical cars, but officials expressed excitement at the marque’s greater involvement.

“Since its inaugural season, Formula E has enjoyed rapid development and is now regarded as a high-level racing series,” enthused BMW’s motorsport director Jens Marquardt.

“Everyone involved is delighted to be taking steps to get involved on the sporting and technological side of Formula E.”

READ: Ex-F1 racer Esteban Gutierrez joins Formula E team Techeetah

For all the latest Formula E news and features, visit CNN.com/sport/motorsport

Reigning world champion Sebastien Buemi has been unbeatable so far in season three of the Formula E World Championship.

Hong Kong's towering skyline provided the backdrop to the race on the streets around the Central Harborfront. The pit lane featured a new name, with the Jaguar Racing team entering Formula E for the first time.

The race took place on October 9 in the shadow of the Two International Finance Center.

Race 1: Hong Kong —

It was the first time Formula E had raced on the streets of Hong Kong

The Formula E eVillage in Hong Kong was popular with locals.

Nelson Piquet Jr. -- the 2015 Formula E world champion -- secured pole position in the opening race. But the Brazilian (seen here at the front of the pack) couldn't maintain his advantage.

Sebastien Buemi (center) took the checkered flag, to begin his 2016 title defense in style. ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver Lucas di Grassi (left) finished second with Mahindra Racing's Nick Heidfeld (right) taking the final podium spot.

Race 2: Marrakech —

From Asia to Africa. Formula E broke new ground in Morocco in November 2016 -- the Marrakech ePrix was the all-electric series' first race on the continent.

Drivers line up track side ahead of the Marrakech ePrix.

Techeetah driver Jean-Eric Vergne practices his e-gaming skills in the Marrakech eVillage.

Lights out in Marrakech and it's Mahindra Racing rookie Felix Rosenqvist (center) who leads the way.

Rosenqvist secured a superb pole in only his second race in Formula E but the Swede was eventually chased down by Buemi's Renault eDams.

Buemi continued his 100% start to the season with victory in Marrakech.

Race 3: Buenos Aires —

On to more familiar territory for Formula E in Argentina. Its capital was hosting its third ePrix in as many seasons.

Home fans gave a rapturous reception to Argentina's three-time world touring car champion Jose Maria Lopez, who joined the DS Virgin Racing team for season three.

The Puerto Madero Street Circuit is one of Formula E's wider street circuits -- offering plenty of chances to overtake.

Di Grassi started on pole for the first time in his Formula E career, but the Brazilian's old adversary Buemi claimed the checkered flag in the South American race.

Buemi celebrates victory on the podium in Buenos Aires with Jean-Eric Vergne (left) coming home second. Di Grassi (right) was third. The Swiss' third victory of the season meant he opened up a 29-point lead over di Grassi ahead of April's Mexico ePrix.

Formula E: Story of the 2016-17 season so far

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The 2018/19 season will also herald a futuristic new-look chassis for all the teams, produced by Spark Racing Technologies.

McLaren Applied Technologies will provide the battery, meaning drivers no longer need to change cars mid-race.