New ABB Formula E fast charger can charge two cars simultaneously

ABB has unveiled an all-new portable fast charger for Formula E. The Swiss technology major has been Formula E’s title partner since 2018, and from this season, it also takes on the role of official charging supplier.

Notably, the new charger will allow teams to charge two cars at the same time. So they’ll no longer need one unit per car.

• ABB says this is the fastest mobile charger available today
• 160kW from one outlet
• 80kW per outlet when charging two vehicles

New ABB Formula E charger

ABB says it has developed the charger to be a “compact, reliable and safe solution” for charging the new Gen3 cars. Each charger can deliver a maximum power of 160kW from one outlet, or 80kW per outlet when charging two vehicles.

In line with Formula E’s sustainability targets, this will reduce the charger's footprint and transportation emissions since there’s no need for one unit per car.

ABB claims this is the fastest mobile charger available worldwide. It also features built-in LED lights that display the current state of charge of the cars.

Frank Mühlon, CEO of ABB E-mobility, said the company will be using Formula E as a test bed to further develop its charging technology for customers. “Charging the Gen3 cars will give us valuable testing information on charging in a high-paced, competitive environment. The experience and knowledge we gain will be used to continuously improve ABB chargers for customer and consumer use,” he added.

Formula E fast charging pit stops delayed

Gen3 brings in a major overhaul for Formula E. The new cars are lighter, faster, more efficient and more powerful. It’s the first-ever formula car with front and rear powertrains, with the 250kW motor at the front working in conjunction with the 350kW at the rear. With a combined 600kW, this doubles the regenerative capability.

Formula E had initially planned to introduce fast charging pit stops. However, it seems unlikely that pit stops will be introduced next year. The new Gen3 sporting regulations still need to be announced, but ABB’s statement specifying that the new chargers will juice up the race cars “before the race and between sessions” appears to confirm this delay.

Season 9 kicks off with the Mexico City E-Prix in January 2023. The season will also see Formula E race in India for the very first time, with the Hyderabad E-Prix scheduled for February 11.

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