This weekend not only one but two electric racing events that took place that could significantly change the future of electric mobility!
Formula E Jeddah ePrix: A Historic First
One was the Formula E Jeddah ePrix which had its races on Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th of February. It saw some very thrilling racing with exciting new technology in use. For the first time in the series' history, the electric Formula E cars raced on the Jeddah circuit. And for the first time during the race on Friday the cars used the Pit Boost, a 30-second rapid charge that provides a 10% energy boost to the cars.
This technology has been in the works for two years and finally has been used in a proper race setting. Everything seemed to have gone smoothly, which is good news. Having this technology now successfully in use will benefit non-racing drivers too as well as the professional drivers of electric cars.
From the very beginning, Formula E has not only been a racing series that wanted to produce fast electric cars and thrilling battles on track (which it has done too), but it also wanted to play a role in the development of electric cars for the everyday driver, driving electric road cars. The development and knowledge gained from the race track could then be transferred to the road cars too by manufacturers like Porsche, Nissan, DS etc. As previously highlighted by industry experts, advancements in charging technologies and energy management from motorsport can significantly improve the range and efficiency of electric road cars. People may step into their car in the morning after a software update and have a significantly longer range with the same charge because of the knowledge gained from Formula E. With the Pit Boost now working it surely will have an effect and lots of learnings for the fast charging for electric road cars.
Another Record-Breaking Weekend for Taylor Barnard
The weekend also saw a historic achievement by Taylor Barnard, the 20-year-old British driver who continues to redefine what's possible in Formula E. Already recognised as the youngest starter, point scorer, and podium finisher in the series, Barnard added another accolade to his already very impressive résumé by becoming the youngest polesitter.
Driving for NEOM McLaren, Barnard secured pole position on Saturday by outperforming his former karting mentor, Oliver Rowland, in a gripping qualifying duel. Reflecting on their past, Rowland said during the post-race press conference:
"I just thought what he did was really good and really cool, and he was in a position where he didn't have much on the table, so I helped him get the step up."
This touching mentor-mentee story, combined with the influx of young talent in Formula E, underscores the growing appeal of electric motorsport among the next generation of drivers.
eCompetition at Hockenheimring: Endurance Racing Reimagined
Meanwhile, the first
eCompetition of 2025 took place at the
Hockenheimring in Germany, showcasing a different side of electric racing. Unlike the high-speed sprint-like competition of Formula E, the eCompetition is a 24-hour endurance race featuring fully electric vehicles in standard condition, designed to test efficiency rather than outright speed.
Endurance racing series like the World Endurance Championship (WEC), European Le Mans Series (ELMS), and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship feature a mix of combustion engines and hybrid powertrains, depending on the class of car. The cars compete against each other for many hours to see who can race the furthest in the allocated time.
But did you know there are also similar endurance races for electric cars?
The Concept and Challenges of Electric Endurance Racing
It is a 24-hour endurance race of 100% electric cars in standard condition.
The race includes multiple vehicle classes, with strict rules limiting each driver to a maximum of two hours of continuous driving—except for the first and last stints, which allow up to four hours.
Success in this endurance race hinges on strategic energy management
A careful ‘foot on the throttle’ and a sophisticated charging strategy is key for a participating car to get the victory.
Clemsie McKenzie, a French journalist and driver of the #21 car, explained on the eCompetition's Instagram Story:
"We're having quite a lot of fun. [...] There is a great atmosphere, and the driving is quite fun as well because you have to drive quite a bit faster than I thought you would have to drive to make enough laps to stay ahead. [...] It's a fun race."
However, the event wasn’t without its challenges. Drivers and their teams had to maintain focus throughout the 24-hour race while strategically managing sleep and driving shifts. The unpredictable weather added another layer of complexity, with rain and it turning into snow overnight due to low temperatures, creating treacherous track conditions. Despite the cold, the snow-covered circuit provided a visually stunning backdrop to the endurance battle.
This made the situation on the track even trickier, and off the track too, as another participant from France [@italpassionfr on Instagram] humorously shared his struggle with the cold by posting:
Which translates to:
"I'm really pushing myself. I don't like the cold and I like sleeping. (What the hell am I doing here!)"
A Milestone Weekend for Electric Mobility
The simultaneous occurrence of two transformative events underscores the rapid evolution and growing popularity of electric motorsport. From the high-speed thrills of Formula E in Jeddah to the strategic endurance test of the eCompetition in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, this weekend highlighted the versatility and potential of electric vehicles in competitive racing.
These innovations are not just milestones for motorsport but also for the broader electric vehicle industry, paving the way for faster charging solutions, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced driving experiences for everyday electric car users.
As electric racing continues to push technological boundaries, it is clear that the future of electric mobility is not just on the horizon—it's already here.
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