Formula E announces groundbreaking rulebook change
Formula E Mediacentre
General
After years of preparation, the long-awaited Pit Boost will finally be introduced in Formula E next month. This means that after a seven-year absence, we can finally enjoy mandatory pit stops again in the electric class. This is good news not only for Formula E fans, but also for fans of electric street cars.
Pit Boost is a new technological development that allows Formula E teams to recharge their cars at breakneck speed. A pit stop of just 30 seconds is enough to provide the car with as much as 10% extra energy, after which drivers temporarily have access to extra speed. However, a pit stop at the wrong time can actually cause you to lose time despite the extra power, making strategic choices even more difficult.
During the race weekend in Jeddah (14 and 15 February), Pit Boost will be tested for the first time, although it is not yet known whether this will be during the first or second race. For now, the new technology will only be used during double headers. One of the races will face a mandatory pit stop, while the other race will retain the old and familiar format.
From Formula E cars to consumer vehicles
"After an extensive testing and simulation process, we are happy to finally present this ground-breaking technology to the world. It is one of the most ambitious and impactful additions to not only our own series, but to modern motorsport," commented Alberto Longo, Formula E's Chief Championship Officer. "Pit Boost will challenge both teams and drivers to make important decisions while under intense pressure. The dramatic overtaking, unexpected twists and human ingenuity will enhance fans' enjoyment. It also shows how committed Formula E and FIA are to innovation. As a racing class created to increase technology transfer from the track to the streets, it marks a major change in the field of consumer vehicles, future possibilities of EV performance."
First and foremost, the introduction of Pit Boost is of course extremely interesting for Formula E fans, who have been clamouring for the return of pit stops for years. However, it is also a very interesting development for consumers who have an electric car in their garage. Indeed, Formula E cars will be charged during pit stops twice as fast as is possible with consumer superchargers. This technology is now being tested and fine-tuned on the track first, in the hope that it will prove effective enough to eventually fit into street cars.
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.
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