Formula E’s Season 12 double-header weekends now feature Pit Boost, a mandatory mid-race pit stop that delivers ultra-fast energy to competing vehicles. The system, supported by Fortescue Zero, requires all drivers to pit for a 30-second, 600 kW charge. In return, each car receives a 10% energy increase of 3.85 kWh. The feature debuted at the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix during Season 11 and has since become a core strategic element.
Highlights
- Mandatory 600 kW charge: Every driver must stop for a 30-second boost that adds 3.85 kWh, roughly 10% of total energy capacity.
- State of Charge window: Cars can only pit when their battery level falls between 60% and 40%, as set by the FIA.
- Attack Mode reduced: Season 12 limits Attack Mode to one activation per Pit Boost race, increasing strategic flexibility.
- Double-header only: Pit Boost applies at Jeddah, Berlin, Monaco, Shanghai, Tokyo, and London events.
How Pit Boost Works
Pit Boost is a mandatory mid-race pit stop. During the stop, each car connects to a charging rig for 30 seconds at 600 kW. The total stop duration is 34 seconds, including connection time. Drivers receive a 10% energy increase of 3.85 kWh as a result.
However, the stop is only permitted within a specific State of Charge window. The FIA sets this range before each race, typically between 60% and 40%. As a result, teams must carefully manage energy consumption in the first phase of the race. The timing of each stop may vary depending on individual driver strategy and consumption rates.
Attack Mode Changes for Season 12
In addition to Pit Boost, Attack Mode remains available during double-header races. For Season 12, though, organizers have reduced Attack Mode to a single activation per Pit Boost race. This change aims to increase strategic variety and competitive racing. Furthermore, drivers are no longer required to use their full Attack Mode allocation before the race ends.
Pit Boost Rules and Regulations
The FIA has established several rules governing Pit Boost operations:
- No double-stacking: Each team has one charging rig. Therefore, only one car can charge at a time.
- Work restrictions: Any car repairs, such as front wing or tire changes, must wait until after the Pit Boost is complete and unplugged.
- Limited crew: Only three team members may perform the Pit Boost — one with the stop-go lollipop and two mechanics handling the rig.
- Penalty service: Drivers carrying a 5-second or 10-second time penalty must serve it before plugging in.
- FIA monitoring: All pit stops are monitored by officials and reported to stewards if guidelines are not followed.
- Spare equipment: Two backup charging rigs are available at the FIA garage in case of technical issues, accessible with authorization.
Pit Boost Fast Facts
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Stop Duration | 34 seconds (30 seconds for charging) |
| Energy Boost | 10% increase (3.85 kWh) |
| Power Level | 600 kW |
| Pit Window | State of Charge between 60% and 40% |
| Events | Double-headers: Jeddah, Berlin, Monaco, Shanghai, Tokyo, London |
Season 12 Double-Header Schedule
Pit Boost returns at all six double-header race weekends during the 2025/26 Formula E season. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which joined the calendar in Season 11, hosted the first Pit Boost rounds of the current season on February 13 and 14. Remaining double-header stops include Berlin, Monaco, Shanghai, Tokyo, and London.
For full scheduling details, visit the official Formula E calendar or check broadcaster listings for local coverage options.
Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
