ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is reshaping the world of motorsports. Featuring all-electric single seater race cars tearing through some iconic race tracks and city circuits, this series offers a thrilling blend of speed and strategy. Races, known as E-Prix, are held in major cities around the world, bringing the excitement of racing directly to the urban environment. With 10 Teams, 20 Drivers, and 17 Races, the battle is on for 3 Championships: Drivers', Teams', and Manufacturers'.

Formula E’s Qualifying Duels bring an exciting, head-to-head showdown to the qualifying rounds. In these knockout-style battles, drivers compete wheel-to-wheel with two cars on track simultaneously. Starting with the top eight fastest drivers from group qualifying, they face off in quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final—with the winner securing pole position. The race begins with a standing start, where drivers must complete a predefined number of laps. This number may increase due to Safety Car or Full Course Yellow periods. The race incorporates strategic elements such as energy management and Attack Mode, which provides a temporary power boost. Points are awarded based on finishing positions, with additional points given for the fastest lap and pole position.

The powertrain in Formula E cars isn't just the heart of the vehicle; it is one of the biggest differentiators between the teams’ cars. It's a pure testament to cutting-edge electric technology. Unlike traditional combustion engines, the electric motors deliver instant torque, propelling these cars from 0 to top speed in a matter of seconds. The powertrain comprises of an inverter, engine and a regenerative braking system that captures energy during braking to recharge the battery mid-race—a feature that significantly boosts efficiency. For the first time, the 99X Electric GEN3 Evo features temporary all-wheel drive, used during Qualifying Duels, in Attack Mode, and at race starts. But the innovation doesn't stop on the track. This masterpiece of electric engineering isn't confined to race cars; the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT—the fastest-accelerating road car by Porsche—features the same advanced 800-volt architecture found in the Formula E powertrain.

To maintain top speeds, exceptional grip is essential—and Formula E tyres deliver like no others. Unlike other racing series that switch between slicks and wet tyres depending on the weather, Formula E uses all-weather tyres capable of handling rain or shine with ease. These tyres have deep treads and are designed to race on various surfaces. With the introduction of the new 99X Electric GEN3 Evo, the tyres have been updated, offering a 5–10% increase in grip. But there is more to manage: drivers must efficiently manage their vehicle’s energy throughout the race. This adds a strategic element, as they need to balance speed with energy conservation.

Need an extra burst of speed? That's exactly what Attack Mode offers. This feature allows drivers to tap into 50kW of additional power. To activate it, they must veer off the optimal racing line and drive through a designated activation zone. It's a high-risk, high-reward tactic that can make or break a race, intensifying overtakes and strategy.

Pit Boost allows for drivers to receive a boost of power in the moment that seems to be most strategically advantageous. The Driver can activate this boost either while they are stationary or when they find themselves within an appropriate activation window. This boost briefly increases the output of the motor allowing the driver more speed for both overtaking and defending. PIT BOOST units are given to each team. These units get plugged into the GEN3 Evo car, but during these pit stops, only two mechanics and one pit crew member holding the stop-go lollipop are allowed around the car with the purpose of working on it. Before each race, a State of Charge (SoC) window is determined by the FIA. When a driver enters this window, they must stop in their own allocated pit position with all four tyres within the white lines. During this stop the car receives an extra 10% (+3.85 kWh) boost. This power boost is delivered in a 30-second boost increasing the power by 600 kW. Once the car has served a minimum pit stop time of 34 seconds, it can be released as soon as it is safe to do so.