ABB charges up for Formula E new season

ABB starts its role as ABB FIA Formula E official charging supplier ahead of season nine of the electric motorsport world championship, while reigning champion Stoffel Vandoorne becomes an ABB ambassador.

Pre-season testing of new Generation Three racers in Valencia, Spain, sees 22 cars from 11 teams running at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit until Friday December 16, the EVs relying on ABB fast chargers throughout the season which starts in Mexico City on January 14.

ABB unveiled its new charger in November, each unit able to deliver 160kW of power and to charge two vehicles with 80kW simultaneously, before the race. This allows race teams to benefit from a ‘double charging’ capacity from one unit, significantly reducing the charger footprint and decreasing transportation emissions, as there is no longer a need for one unit per car, says ABB.

“This is a very exciting season for ABB as we continue to push the boundaries of sustainable technology as we commence our new role as official charging supplier,” says ABB Formula E partnership head Daniela Lužanin.  

“It’s also great to welcome Stoffel Vandoorne as our new ambassador to help tell our story.”

Vandoorne races for the DS Penske Formula E team this season and joins existing ABB ambassadors Lucas di Grassi (Mahindra Racing), Sébastien Buemi (Envision Racing) and Simona di Silvestro (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team).

The new season includes Kiwi driver Mitch Evans for Jaguar TCS Racing who was last season’s runner-up.

ABB’s video series for FIA Girls on Track will continue during season nine, with highlights from previous videos available here.

The season calendar comprises 16 races in 11 global locations, including new host cities Hyderabad, Cape Town, São Paolo and Portland.