FIA Outlines Electric Indy Series

[Boomhauer]

FIA is testing the waters on an electric racing circuit, called Formula E, to begin in 2012 with a formal "Call for expression if interest". This will be a developmental circuit for both drivers and technology.
FIA pdf release - http://www.fia.com/en-GB/Documents/fia-formula-e.pdf

Performance is expected to be on par with F3 in a vehicle several hundred pounds heavier. With the abundance of developmental circuits, I'd expect this series to replace F3 - even if the Star series is discontinued.
GP3 - Renault 2.0L turbo I4 with 280hp
Star - Mazda rotary with ~260hp
F3 - Open build 2.0L I4 with ~ 240hp

FIA has already done work with an electrical distribution and circuitry company in advance. The above pdf recommends a set chassis and motor class (I'm assuming the electronics as well, but the battery packs will be up to teams to spur tech development), and an open class for auto manufacturers.

FIA has also made a test car, capable of top speeds above 150mph, and concluded the circuit should be 15min races through downtown streets - without long straits and higher speeds that's difficult for electrics.

Lastly, but of greatest interest to me, is the vehicles be "innovative in their design and in their sound to
define a distinct profile for the FIA Formula E Championship". The fundamentals of single seat and, likely, open wheel should remain, but the expressed requirement for a readily identifiable profile, along with fundamental differences in power curve for electrics, should bring some interesting designs and methodologies to the auto industry as a whole.