How does an enhanced charger of 600 kW work in Formula E?

The Formula E is the pinnacle of electric racing and continues to push the boundaries of battery technology and charging infrastructure. The introduction of a 600 kW lift charger is a game-changer, allowing teams to quickly charge GEN3 cars during pit stops. But what makes this technology so special? Let’s break it down.

Learn about the 600kW supercharger

The 600 kW lift charger is a high-power ultra-fast DC charger to peak power of 600 kW. This allows the team to significantly enhance the battery in 30 seconds, thus bringing strategic depth to the game.

How it works: decomposition technology

1. High voltage DC architecture
   • The charger operates under a 900V high voltage system, ensuring efficient electric transmission without heat accumulation.
   • A dedicated liquid-cooled power module adjusts energy flow, prevents thermal runaway and ensures safe operation under extreme conditions.
2. Battery compatibility and rapid energy transfer
   • Gen3 Formula E Automobile uses a 51 kWh battery pack developed by Williams Advanced Engineering.
   • The charger interfaces with the car’s battery management system (BMS) to ensure that the charge cycle is consistent with the battery battery safety protocol.
   • Supercapacitors help buffer sudden influx of energy to prevent damage to the battery.
3. Cooling and heat management
   • Given the high charging speed, the liquid-cooled connector ensures that the charging cable and battery stay at optimal temperatures.
   • This system uses Dielectric coolant ring In order to prevent overheating and improve charging efficiency.
4. Grid power and energy storage
   • Since it is impractical to draw a 600 kW temporary competition circuit directly from the grid, the system integrates a field energy storage unit (ESU).
   • The ESU consists of a second-life battery, allowing the system to quickly store and release power.

Impact on Formula E Racing Strategy

The introduction of Boost Charger fundamentally changed the racial dynamics:

• Strategic charging window: The team must decide on the best moments to balance energy supplementation with orbital position.
• Regenerative braking integration: With regenerative braking contributing up to 40% of race energy, Boost Charger helps complement content that Regen cannot cover.
• Weight and energy tradeoffs: The extra energy means higher speeds, but the team must manage the increase in battery weight through midfield charge.

How is it compared to road car charging?

While the road electric vehicles currently in progress are rising at a 350kW (Porsche Taycan, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Supercharger V4), the Formula E Boost Charger is almost twice as powerful. However, real-world electric vehicles prioritize battery life over speed, meaning this ultra-fast charging technology is about the same as the mass market adoption.

The final thought

The 600-kilowatt lift charger proves how racing drives innovation in electric vehicle technology. While currently unique to the Formula E, its learning will eventually drip into consumer electric vehicles, paving the way for ultra-fast charging solutions in everyday electric mobility.