Embracing the Game-Changing Potential of PIT BOOST in Formula E
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to revolutionize race strategy with the introduction of PIT BOOST, an innovative new feature debuting at select races in Season 11. Announced last month, the Jeddah doubleheader E-Prix will play host to the debut of PIT BOOST, and update that promises to intensify race strategy, increase unpredictability and showcase cutting-edge EV fast recharging technology.
What is PIT BOOST?
PIT BOOST is a mid-race feature that will provide a 10% energy increase through a 30-second, 600kW rapid recharge in the pit lane. The mandatory recharge introduces a new layer of strategy to Formula E races as teams must tactically decide the optimal moment to take their PIT BOOST, weighing the benefit of additional energy against the potential loss of track position during the stop. Only one car at a time will be permitted to take PIT BOOST per team, meaning that strategic planning and execution of the recharge will be crucial in ensuring an efficient stop. The added layer of complexity also increases the potential for human error, making split-second decision-making and seamless coordination between drivers and engineers more important than ever.
The new feature is set to debut at the doubleheader Jeddah E-Prix in Saudi Arabia on February 14-15, 2025. The new in-race feature will also be implemented at other doubleheader weekends throughout Season 11, including Monaco, Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin, and London.
How will PIT BOOST work in a race?
Both Andretti Formula E drivers will be required to make the mandatory recharge stop within a designated window that the FIA communicates to teams 21 days before each race. This window is based on a specific State of Charge (SOC) value, meaning drivers can only enter the pit lane for their PIT BOOST when their battery falls within a designated percentage range (as an example, between 60% and 40%). The additional 10% energy increase will reduce the need to drive as efficiently as possible and will likely result in faster speeds and more dramatic overtakes on track. Consequently, positions throughout the race will shift more dramatically depending on when each team will opt to take their PIT BOOST.
Beyond its impact on racing dynamics, PIT BOOST highlights the groundbreaking steps Formula E is making with EV technology. The ability to deliver 3.85kWh of energy in just 34 seconds at 600kW highlights the rapid advancements in ultra-fast charging capabilities. That charging power would hypothetically equate to being able to charge 311 mobile phones from flat to 100% in the same time it would take for a PIT BOOST charge![1] Faster charging times remain one of the key barriers to widespread EV adoption, so technological developments such as PIT BOOST help push the boundaries of what is possible in electric mobility.
To ensure reliability and safety, PIT BOOST has undergone extensive testing and simulation, with the Andretti Formula E team having tested the recharge stop on multiple occasions. The FIA has put strict protocols in place to govern its use, including limitations on when and how it can be deployed. Only two pit crew members, plus an assigned individual to stop and release the car, are permitted to work on the car during a PIT BOOST stop.
PIT BOOST operates independently of Attack Mode, meaning teams will have two strategic elements to manage simultaneously. Attack Mode rules remain unchanged from previous seasons, allowing drivers to activate their extra 50kW of power at any time from Lap 2 onward. This separation means that teams must carefully balance both features to maximize their race performance, making energy management and race strategy even more intricate.
As Formula E continues to evolve, PIT BOOST stands out as one of the most exciting innovations in recent years. It promises to shake up race strategy, intensify on-track action and reinforce the championship’s role as a leader in EV technology. With its debut just around the corner, fans can look forward to a new era of electrifying competition as PIT BOOST makes its first appearance when the Andretti Formula E team head to the doubleheader Jeddah E-Prix on February 14-15, 2025.
[1] Based on an iPhone 14 Pro with a battery capacity of 12.38Wh
