Formula E racing has always had a bit of a complicated pit stop procedure. In the early seasons, drivers had to switch cars halfway through the race due to battery limitations. While this issue was resolved with a newer, higher-capacity car design in 2018, pit stops were still functional but lacked excitement. Unfortunately, the fast battery charging system, which was designed to reintroduce mandatory pit stops, is being postponed until next season.
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“The technology is there,” Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo told Motorsport Total. “It’s working and at the moment many of the people are suffering with the supply chain, and that’s the main issue why we haven’t been able to put it in work this season.” The updated pit stops were planned to debut halfway through the 2023 season with the new Gen3 Formula E cars, but at this point it would only be ready for the last few races of the season.
This delay could have a significant impact on how drivers approach the race. Each time a driver uses one of the quick charging stations, they will earn two “Attack Charges,” which will temporarily boost their vehicle’s power. This could have a profound impact on performance midway through the season, as the current rules already have an Attack Mode.
“It will have a big impact on the sporting format and to do that only in the three or four races at the end the season, even though if we are capable of doing it, maybe it’s not the right decision,” Longo said. “We would love to have it this season, but I don’t think at the moment it’s totally viable to implement it.” Longo believes that this change in how Attack Mode is earned and used will have a big impact on the sporting format.
