Formula E has always been more than just a racing series—it’s a testing ground for the next generation of electric vehicle (EV) tech. And now, it’s pushing the boundaries even further with a 600 kW boost charger that can top up race cars in under 30 seconds. That’s not just fast—it’s a complete game-changer.
But how does this ultra-fast charger work, and could we see something similar in road cars? Let’s dive in.
The 600 kW Charger and the Tech Behind it
Unlike regular EV chargers that take minutes (or even hours), this high-powered DC charger is designed to deliver instant bursts of energy. This means that instead of running an entire race on one charge, drivers can make quick pit stops to recharge, adding a whole new layer of strategy to the sport. Here is the tech behind the speed:
- High-Voltage Charging – Operating at 900V, this charger transfers energy at extreme speeds without overheating.
- Liquid Cooling System – A specially designed coolant loop keeps the battery and cables from frying under the immense power load.
- Smart Battery Integration – The Battery Management System (BMS) ensures that the charge is delivered safely, preventing overheating or overloading.
- Grid-Free Energy Supply – Instead of pulling all 600 kW directly from the race circuit’s power grid, Formula E uses an on-site energy storage unit filled with repurposed EV batteries to store and release power when needed.
How This Changes Formula E Racing
Before this technology, races were all about energy conservation, with drivers carefully managing their battery levels to last till the end. But now, with rapid charging available mid-race, it’s a whole new ballgame. For starters, we can see more aggressive racing as drivers can push their cars harder, knowing they can recharge quickly. Another thing to note will be the teams figuring out strategic pit stops as they must decide when to recharge- balancing speed, position, and race conditions.
Will Ultra-Fast Charging Come to Everyday EVs?
Formula E’s 600 kW boost charger nearly doubles the capacity that the current public fast chargers peak at (350 kW). Does that mean we’ll soon see such rapid charging in regular EVs?
Not quite. Everyday EVs are designed with battery longevity and health in mind, and pushing charge speeds too high could compromise long-term performance. However, the advancements tested in Formula E could eventually trickle down, paving the way for safer, more efficient ultra-fast charging in consumer EVs.
