The Formula E Pit Boost feature is set to be introduced for select races in Season 11 starting with the Jeddah E-Prix.
This innovative technology marks a significant milestone in the championship’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance and showcasing cutting-edge charging capabilities.
The Formula E Pit Boost system represents a monumental leap forward in electric racing strategy, providing drivers with a mandatory mid-race energy top-up that promises to inject unprecedented excitement and tactical complexity into FE competitions.
During designated races, teams will be required to execute a 34-second fast-charging pit stop where their vehicles will receive a rapid 600kW charge, adding approximately 10% battery capacity (3.85kWh) in just 30 seconds.
This technological breakthrough has been years in the making, with Formula E and the FIA meticulously developing and testing the fast-charging pit stop infrastructure.
The Formula E Pit Boost technology, provided by Fortescue Zero (formerly Williams Advanced Engineering), has undergone extensive testing in practice sessions and private manufacturer trials since September 2022.
The implementation of Formula E Pit Boost is not merely a technical enhancement but a strategic masterstroke that will fundamentally alter race dynamics. Drivers and teams will now face complex strategic decisions, balancing the potential energy advantage against the time lost during pit stops.
Each team is limited to one fast-charging pit stop at a time, and only two pit crew members will be allowed to work on the car during the charging process, with an additional crew member responsible for stopping and releasing the vehicle.
Notably, Formula E Pit Boost will debut at the Jeddah E-Prix on February 14-15, 2025, marking the first mandatory fast-charging pit stops in the all-electric racing series since 2018.
“After an extensive testing and simulation process, we’re pleased to finally present this game-changing technology to the world,“ Formula E Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer Alberto Longo said.
“It marks one of the most ambitious and impactful additions not just to our series, but modern day motorsport.
“Pit Boost will challenge teams and drivers alike to make high-stakes decisions under intense pressure. The potential for dramatic overtakes, unexpected twists, and human ingenuity will elevate the excitement for our fans and showcase Formula E and the FIA’s relentless commitment to innovation.“
Unlike the previous era of car swaps, this new technology showcases the remarkable progress in battery and charging technologies. The 600kW charging capability far exceeds current consumer electric vehicle charging standards, highlighting Formula E’s role as a technological proving ground.
Will Pit Boost replace Attack Mode?
Importantly, Formula E Pit Boost operates independently of the existing Attack Mode feature, giving teams two distinct strategic tools to manage simultaneously.
“I think we need to completely separate the Attack Mode and the Pit Boost,” said Longo. “They are two completely different properties, obviously, and what we’re trying to do is double up the emotions and the experience.
“Honestly, I think we’re lacking a little bit of strategy from the teams — we’re kind of in the comfort zone already. So definitely an element like Pit Boost is going to make the race even more dramatic.
“Attack Mode is a product that actually works very well, and definitely what our intention is will be to have a much faster Attack Mode in the future.
“Obviously we’re developing today, together with the FIA, what is going to be the technical road map of our championship for the future. When I say the future, I’m talking about 10 to 15 years.
“So this is how far ahead we are looking into. And no, Attack Mode is not at risk. On the contrary, I think if anything it will be somehow enhanced.”
The Formula E Pit Boost feature will not be implemented across all races in Season 11, but rather in select events, particularly double-header weekends (Jeddah, Monaco, Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin and London). This strategic approach allows Formula E to maintain variety in race formats and provide teams with diverse strategic challenges.
The FIA will determine the specific window for deployment of a fast-charging pit stop based on a ‘Status of Charge’ value, which will be communicated to teams 21 days before each relevant race.
READ MORE: Who will be on Season 11 grid? The full 2024-25 Formula E driver line-up
