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Apr 14
Sand Technologies
Motorsport has always been an incubator for automotive innovation. From turbochargers to carbon fiber, race tracks have long been testing grounds for technologies that later make their way into everyday vehicles. The rise of electric mobility has ushered in a new era, with championships like Formula E redefining what performance, efficiency and sustainability look like on the racetrack and, eventually, in consumer electric vehicles (EVs).
Formula E is unique in its reliance on software vs hardware, and on teams’ need for a precise race strategy that maximizes the electric racecar’s finite battery capacity. Teams often win or lose not only based on the skill of their drivers, but on how efficiently they use energy and their ability to analyze data to make real-time adjustments in a split second. This shift has created space for AI to reshape motorsport in general, but particularly to accelerate Formula E’s objective of advancing the world’s embrace of more-sustainable transportation.
Enhancing on-track performance
Improving strategy and planning
Providing personalized coaching and driver feedback
Transforming fan engagement and broadcasting
With strict regulations on car specifications, power limits and energy management, winning in Formula E requires strategic and creative approaches. Teams must do more than prepare before a race; they need the insights and tools to adapt in real-time on the track while also staying proactive in preparing for future competitions.
AI is helping teams fine-tune their race strategy and adapt as events unfold. During races, AI-powered systems process real-time sensor data to continuously adjust energy deployment strategies, manage tire wear and optimize efficiency. These systems can also determine the ideal energy consumption per lap, enabling real-time decisions on when to push harder or conserve battery power.
Similarly, machine learning also analyzes past data between races. These insights, which identify performance gaps in aerodynamics, regenerative braking, or driver behavior, help teams improve car setup and future race strategies.
Championship success in Formula E depends heavily on strategic planning. Before race day, teams need to be prepared for every scenario to improve their chances of winning. AI-powered predictive modeling enables teams to forecast car behavior, track conditions and run thousands of simulations to determine the most energy-efficient racing strategy.
In races, drivers can activate Attack Mode, temporarily boosting their car’s power by driving through a designated activation zone. AI empowers drivers to anticipate and counter opponents’ moves by providing insights on competitor behavior, energy conversation tactics, and potential overtaking attempts. These insights result in smarter racing, better timing and faster team adaptation.
Lastly, digital twin technology creates AI-powered virtual car and circuit models, allowing teams to test performance adjustments before physical implementation. This approach enables teams to accelerate their development cycle while reducing costs. Digital twin technology has been applied across various industries, including the water sector, where it has helped utilities cut operational costs by 15%.
Beyond the car and technology, the key to a team’s success lies in the driver behind the wheel. To excel, they need real-time insights into their performance, the current race dynamics and how they can improve.
AI supports drivers before and during the race. In practice sessions, it analyzes telemetry to suggest improvements from braking points to throttle control. These insights are tailored to each driver’s style and track history, helping them make minor adjustments that add up over an entire race.
Advanced simulators, such as Formula E’s RFactor2, also help championship drivers hone their skills ahead of a race. These AI-powered simulators replicate race conditions and competitor behavior, assisting drivers in preparing physically, mentally and strategically.
Fans are essential to sports. They are the driving force behind the revenue that sustains the industry, from ticket sales to sponsorships. Formula E races have generated billions through fan engagement. For instance, the 2023 Greenko Hyderabad E-Prix delivered an economic impact of nearly $84 million to India’s economy.
AI is enhancing how fans watch and interact with Formula E in real-time. Real-time data is turned into visual insights during broadcasts, helping viewers understand how drivers perform or which strategies are in play. Post-races, AI systems generate highlight reels, which allow fans to instantly recall the most critical moments.
On the engagement side, AI also helps teams personalize content and campaigns and mobilize fans to support CSR initiatives such as Envision Racing’s fan-powered Race Against Climate Change project. This initiative aims to drive e-mobility adoption by connecting fans with carbon offset programs and sustainability challenges. So far, more than 250,000 fans have pledged to make more sustainable daily choices as part of Envision Racing’s campaign.
Formula E is showing the world that racing isn’t just about being the fastest but also about being the smartest. AI is helping teams like Envision Racing gain an edge through real-time insight, precision strategy and continuous improvement.
Yet technology’s impact doesn’t stop when the checkered flag waves. The advanced tools developed here — from AI-driven battery management to digital twins — are shaping how electric vehicles are designed, operated and experienced far beyond the track. As EV innovations expand, many of the resources and techniques refined in Formula E will be key in advancing the broader shift toward smarter, more efficient electric mobility.
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