Formula E has unveiled a groundbreaking "ultra-fast" pit boost technology that could potentially transform electric vehicle (EV) charging for everyday users within the next five years. This system allows Formula E cars to receive a rapid energy recharge of 10% of their battery capacity — equivalent to 3.85 kWh — in just 30 seconds, delivering a power output of 600 kW during mandatory pit stops. Julia Palle, vice-president for sustainability at Formula E, highlighted to BBC Sport that this innovation may soon transition from the racetrack to public charging infrastructure, with major metropolitan areas like London expected to see the earliest adoption.

The technology, introduced in the 2024/25 Formula E season, made its competitive debut at the Jeddah E-Prix in February 2025. It is designed to inject strategic complexity into races by forcing teams to balance the advantage of a quick power boost against the potential loss of track position, enhancing the unpredictability and excitement of the competition. The feature is mandatory during one race of a double-header weekend, with strict usage protocols ensuring only one car per team can use the pit boost at a time. Teams receive race-specific “pit boost window” details 21 days ahead, and the boost operates independently from the existing ATTACK MODE in the series.

The pit boost technology was developed by British company Fortescue Zero, whose CEO Ellie Coates has emphasised the system’s benefits not only in motorsport but also in wider applications. This includes supporting the broader transition to electric vehicles by overcoming significant charging infrastructure challenges. The pit boost system’s 600kW output far exceeds current public fast chargers in Europe, which typically max out at around 480kW. Fortescue Zero achieves this ultra-fast charging capability via an advanced portable unit that does not rely on grid connection thanks to onboard energy storage, paired with proprietary battery intelligence software called Elysia. This software optimises charging speed while preserving battery health, allowing the car’s battery to operate at a rapid charge C-rate of about 15C.

Formula E co-founder and chief championship officer Alberto Longo described the pit boost as a “game-changing technology” following extensive testing and simulation. The innovation reflects Formula E and the FIA’s positioning as a “race-to-road” platform, where pioneering race technologies are designed to address pressing real-world EV challenges, including charging speed and efficiency. The introduction of this technology is part of the series’ ongoing effort to push the boundaries of electric mobility and accelerate public acceptance and infrastructure development.

While Formula E showcases this ultra-fast charging at elite motorsport levels, its broader introduction onto public streets would mark a significant step forward in resolving one of the key barriers holding back electric vehicle adoption: inadequate charging infrastructure. Palle expressed optimism that concerns about infrastructure could soon become “a worry from the past,” as this speedy charging technology becomes progressively integrated into urban environments across many countries.

In summary, the pit boost represents both a spectacle-enhancing innovation for Formula E and a hopeful indicator for the future of electric vehicle charging worldwide, promising to reduce long charging times drastically and make EV ownership more convenient and accessible.

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Source: Noah Wire Services