What is Pit Boost?
Francois Asal / Spacesuit Media
The so-called Pit Boost describes fast-charging pit stops in Formula E. After several postponements, the technology formerly known as "Attack Charge" is expected to be introduced during the 2024/25 Formula E season. This means that Formula E will be introducing pit stops during races again for the first time since its first generation of cars (2014-2018). Back then, the whole car was swapped. During the mandatory fast-charging pit stops, the batteries of the electric racing cars will be recharged at 600 kW.
Once announced for the start of the Gen3 era (January 2023), Formula E had to accept a number of setbacks with its fast-charging technology. Its introduction has been postponed several times and is expected for the 2024/25 season. It has not yet been finally decided in what form. The most realistic option currently seems to be to carry out pit stops on one race day of each "double header" in season 11. The premiere would therefore be the Diriyah E-Prix on 27/28 January 2025.
Initially, Formula E had planned to use the fast-charging pit stops, then called "Attack Charge", to activate Attack Mode. However, it currently appears that both features will work independently of each other. During the 2024 pre-season test in Madrid, Formula E used the new term "Pit Boost" for the first time.
For the Pit Boost, a cable is plugged into the rear of the car to recharge ten per cent of the energy in about 30 seconds. This extra power can be used for longer race distances or faster lap times. The standardised fast chargers from the British company Fortescue (formerly Williams Advanced Engineering) charge at a peak power of 600 kW. The charging status is visualised for spectators with flashing LED strips on the race car – the faster they flash, the further along the charging process is.
