Fortescue Zero returns as Formula E’s official PIT BOOST provider for Season 12, supplying a mandatory 30-second, 600kW charging stop that adds 10% more energy (3.85kWh) to GEN3 Evo race cars during select double-header races. This ultra-fast system, powered by portable units and Elysia battery software, enhances strategic depth and showcases rapid-charging tech transferable to industrial EV applications. EV enthusiasts and teams should note it forces high-stakes decisions, as seen in Season 11’s 1.5MWh delivered across nearly 400 top-ups.
Formula E and Fortescue Zero Background
Formula E, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, launched in 2014 as the first all-electric single-seater racing series, positioning itself as a testing ground for battery and EV innovations. Now in Season 12 (2025/26), it features the GEN3 Evo car, Formula E’s fastest-accelerating model at 0-60mph in 1.82 seconds. PIT BOOST debuted in Season 11, transforming mid-race tactics with mandatory pit stops that prevented double-stacking due to single rigs per team.
Fortescue Zero, a green energy arm of Australian mining giant Fortescue, entered as a PIT BOOST provider in Season 11. Their 600kW portable chargers, unconstrained by grid connections, integrate Elysia software for optimized charging at around 15C ratepreserving battery healthy health. In Season 11, the system supplied over 1.5MWh via 400 top-ups in races, sessions, and tests. Fortescue applies this tech off-track at Pilbara mine sites to decarbonize heavy operations by 2030, bridging racing to real-world EVs.
Key PIT BOOST Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Energy Boost | 10% increase (3.85kWh) |
| Charging Power | 600kW |
| Boost Duration | 30 seconds |
| Total Pit Stop Time | Minimum 34 seconds |
| State of Charge Window | Below 60% and above 40% SoC |
| Top-Ups per Race | Two (in equipped races) |
| Provider | Fortescue Zero with Elysia software |
| Season 11 Performance | 1.5MWh across ~400 top-ups |
| Rigs per Team | One (no double-stacking) |
Strategic Impact and Race Integration
PIT BOOST mandates all drivers pit during a FIA-defined SoC window (typically 40-60%), announced 21 days prior, consolidating ATTACK MODE into one 6-minute period for intensified strategy. Teams manage energy consumption early to time the stop optimally, as pit timing varies by garage. With one rig per team, no double-stacking occurs, heightening drama—especially in double-headers where it’s used in one race per weekend.
Deployed at seven events in Season 12: Jeddah (Round 4, starting February 13), Berlin, Monaco, Shanghai, Tokyo, and London finale. The portable 600kW unit plugs into the GEN3 Evo’s rear, serviced by two mechanics and one lollipop holder. This setup delivers power far exceeding consumer superchargers, proving rapid-charging viability.
Technology and Real-World Relevance
The system’s Elysia software optimizes charge speed and battery integrity, achieving high C-rates without degradation. Fortescue’s Douglas Campling highlighted its strategic value, while Formula E’s Alberto Longo emphasized its lab-like role: “By pushing this technology to its limits on the track, we aren’t just enhancing the race spectacle; we are proving the mission-critical solutions needed to decarbonise heavy industry.” Off-track, it informs Fortescue’s zero-emission mining goals.
Details like exact voltage, amps, or charge pump manufacturers remain unconfirmed in public sources, limiting full replication analysis for road EVs. Season 12 rollout starts soon after February 13 Jeddah, offering fresh data on reliability.
Comparison with Other EV Racing Features
| Feature | Formula E PIT BOOST | Formula 1 DRS | IndyCar Push-to-Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power/Energy Gain | 600kW / 3.85kWh (30s) | ~150kW aero boost | 60kW (200hp) for 200s total |
| Mandatory? | Yes, SoC window | No | No |
| Strategic Element | Pit timing, no stacking | Overtake zones | Energy-limited bursts |
| EV Focus | High (ultra-fast charge) | Low (ICE/hybrid) | Low (hybrid push) |
PIT BOOST stands out for mandating energy management and pit drama, unlike optional overtake aids in F1 or IndyCar. It uniquely advances EV charging tech over hybrid systems.
Verdict
Fortescue Zero’s PIT BOOST solidifies Formula E’s edge in EV innovation, blending mandatory strategy with 600kW charging demos that influence industrial applications. Ideal for teams mastering energy tactics and fans craving pit-lane unpredictability, it elevates double-headers—but unanswered questions linger on long-term battery wear data and consumer scalability. Watch Jeddah for Season 12 proof.
