The return of pit stops with Gen3?
Abandoned since the introduction of Gen2 last year, pit stops could make a grand return in Formula E during the next major regulatory change in the discipline. However, in a completely different form than known in the past!
If the Gen2 was a great success among observers upon its arrival last year, the leaders of Formula E are already looking into the future of the 100% electric category.
Jamie Reigle, the new CEO of the category since Alejandro Agag stepped back, though he remains the chairman (and is focusing on the Extreme E project, the 100% electric Rally Raid), does not take his role lightly and intends to continue the positive momentum initiated by the founder of the series.
Reigle is not a stranger in the sports world as he has notably been part of the famous Manchester United football club, during the golden era of Sir Alex Ferguson. He takes the opportunity to make a small comparison regarding his way of developing a project.
« When I was at Manchester United, I humorously said that Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t ask me who we should recruit as the new left-back or anything else, and as for my opinions on the direction taken by automotive technology, I refer to my team, the FIA, and the manufacturers », Reigle told our colleagues at Motorsport.com.
Reigle then gives a historical overview of Formula E, not forgetting to note that technological advancements are made to promote the sale of electric vehicles worldwide.
« But the important topic is that we are developing technology to advance the adoption of electric vehicles, and that is our primary principle. With Gen1, it was about proving that electric vehicles are viable, can race, can compete, and it was a success. »
A supersonic battery recharge?
When the Gen2 was introduced last year, many fans expressed their fear of a lack of spectacle due to the elimination of pit stops, which had been the true highlight of Formula E races until then. However, the creation of the Attack Mode has definitely put an end to doubts regarding this point.
« With Gen2, it was about demonstrating the longevity of the battery. There may be things that deter consumers from adopting an electric vehicle, notably the range. So we designed a generation of single-seaters that address this issue. From what I hear, at the time, people were saying ‘we’re not going to have pit stops anymore, right?’. So we had to innovate differently, which led to the attack mode, which changed the race strategy. For me, that’s the beauty of this product: it continues to evolve. » he continues.
But as for the future (with Gen2 remaining in place until the 2021/2022 season inclusive), pit stops could make a comeback in Formula E but under a different system. Indeed, gone is the spectacular car change that highlighted the range limitations of Gen1; a rapid battery charging system could spice up future ePrix.
« For Gen3, as we consider the reasons why a consumer might not adopt an electric vehicle, there may be a question that arises around charging availability: ‘How long does it take to charge my car?’. The viability of charging is a subject on which people who are much smarter than me are working. »
Reigle announces, however, that it is only a possibility for the moment. But with the aim of reassuring Mr. Everyone in the idea of buying an electric vehicle, the discovery is not outlandish, especially if we add the tactical aspect of races to it.
« Where it gets interesting is that it can influence the races, meaning: ‘If we change the speed at which we recharge the cars, maybe we can bring back a pit stop.’ I’m not saying we’ll definitely do that, but it creates a degree of freedom regarding our product, which I find really exciting. The big project is the topic of fast charging, but I imagine other opinions will be given. » concluded the Quebecer.
In anticipation of future regulations, the 2019/2020 Formula E season begins on November 22 in the streets of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
