Formula E will debut fast-charging pit stops during the upcoming Jeddah E-Prix in Saudi Arabia. This marks a significant development for the all-electric racing series, which has been working on the new feature for over two years.
The fast-charging process, known as Pit Boost, requires a mandatory 34-second stop. During this time, teams can add 10 percent additional energy (3.85kWh) through a 30-second charge. Only two crew members can work on the car, while a third manages the stopping and releasing of the vehicle with visual signals.
Pit Boost operates independently from the existing Attack Mode, which provides an in-race power increase. Attack Mode has been part of Formula E for years, allowing drivers to gain extra energy by driving over a designated area off the main racing line.
Teams are limited to bringing in one car at a time for the Pit Boost, as the Formula 1-style double stacking is not permitted. The 34-second duration for this pit stop is notably longer than the sub-three-second stops seen in Formula 1.
The FIA will decide the Pit Boost window for each event and communicate this information to teams 21 days prior to the race. This marks the first time Formula E has introduced pit stops in seven years, a change from previous seasons where drivers had to swap cars mid-race.
This season also features the debut of the Gen3 Evo car, which offers more power and all-wheel drive, enhancing the overall racing experience. If successful, Formula E plans to implement Pit Boost at other double-header events scheduled for Monaco, Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin, and London.
For more details, visit the original article on Engadget.