Formula E: Street EVs to Get Ultra-Fast Charging by 2030
Formula E cars can now be charged in the pits mid-race

Formula E: Street EVs to Get Ultra-Fast Charging by 2030

Formula E’s 600kW Pit Boost Could Power Street EVs in 5 Years

Formula E’s lightning-fast 600kW “pit boost” technology may be rolling out to public electric vehicle (EV) chargers in major cities like London within five years, according to the series’ sustainability vice-president Julia Palle.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Palle revealed that the 10% charge in 30 seconds technology, introduced during the most recent Formula E season, is more than just racing showbiz — it’s a blueprint for mainstream ultra-fast EV charging.

“I would not think it’s going to take more than five years, max, before we see a fast charger in the mainstream on our streets,” said Palle. “What Formula E cars do in 30 seconds is absolutely mind-blowing.”

Pit Boost: From Garage to Grid

The pit boost system delivers a 10% battery energy shot in just 30 seconds — a dramatic leap from conventional EV chargers. The feature adds both drama to races and confidence in electric tech among fans and manufacturers alike.

Palle believes the tech will play a key role in solving what she calls the “lack of infrastructure” that currently hinders wider EV adoption.

“It sends a strong message to EV drivers and the rest of the community,” she added. “The questions about infrastructure will become a worry from the past.”

Racing Towards Real-World Impact

Formula E cars get a 30-second 600KW boost of power to give the car an extra 10% of battery life

Formula E cars get a 30-second 600KW boost of power to give the car an extra 10% of battery life

Since its launch in 2014, Formula E has evolved from range-limited cars that required mid-race swaps to Gen3 machines capable of incredible performance and innovation.

Manufacturers like Nissan and Jaguar now develop and fine-tune custom powertrains, helping transfer that knowledge to road cars.

But experts say more is needed.

“Formula E needs a big technology transfer moment,” says Prof. Paolo Aversa of King’s College London.

“We’re still missing a bold innovation that says: Without Formula E, we wouldn’t have got here.”

Green Sport Leader, Not Just Buzzwords

Formula E recently won the Pioneer Award at the BBC Green Sport Awards, in part due to its serious climate targets — not just headline-grabbing claims.

In 2021, Formula E became the first sports organisation to have its emissions reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The goal? A 50% cut in carbon emissions by 2030, leading up to true net zero by 2050.

“No one can be net zero today. But we’re putting in the systems to reach 90% reduction and only 10% offsetting,” Palle clarified.

Innovation With a Mission

With the pit boost charger as a public-facing success story, Formula E is poised to go beyond just clean racing. The championship is becoming a catalyst for real-world EV advancement — in infrastructure, technology, and public perception.

“Formula E are on the right route,” says Aversa. “The big challenge is to create a bold leap in transport tech.”

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