In a remarkable demonstration of energy efficiency and cutting-edge technology, Formula E has successfully charged its GENBETA prototype race car using regenerative braking during a daring 1,000-meter vertical descent down a mountain. The feat, which generated enough energy to complete a full lap of the iconic Circuit de Monaco, was made possible through collaboration with Google Cloud. By leveraging Google AI Studio and its Gemini API, Formula E was able to analyze the best route for maximizing energy recuperation in real-time, marking a significant milestone in sustainable motorsport and AI-driven innovation.
- The “Mountain Recharge” Challenge:
- Formula E’s GENBETA car descended the Col de Braus mountain road in “free-wheel mode”, using only regenerative braking and gravity to generate 1.6 to 2.0 kWh of energy.
- This energy was sufficient to complete a 3.337 km lap of the Monaco circuit—equivalent to charging nearly 60 Google Pixel 9 Pro XL devices.
- The challenge demonstrated how advanced energy recovery technologies can push the boundaries of sustainable motorsport.
- AI-Driven Optimization with Google Cloud:
- Google AI Studio: The Gemini API analyzed variables like speed, weight ratios, gravitational forces, and driving angles to optimize the car’s regenerative braking and maximize energy recovery during the descent.
- BigQuery: Google Cloud’s platform collected and analyzed real-time telemetry data from the car, providing insights for verifying and refining the descent strategy.
- Firebase: Used to develop an intuitive dashboard to visualize real-time car telemetry, making it easy for race engineers to monitor the descent’s performance.
- Impact on Formula E’s Mission and Sustainability Goals:
- The “Mountain Recharge” project highlights the high efficiency of Formula E vehicles, which regenerate approximately 40% of their energy during races.
- This project aligns with Formula E’s ongoing commitment to pushing the limits of sustainable mobility and energy optimization within the motorsport industry.
- The collaboration also exemplifies how AI and cloud technologies can revolutionize not just racing, but also broader applications like dynamic route planning for delivery fleets and energy management in smart cities.
- Partners Supporting the GENBETA Project:
- The GENBETA project received support from major partners including ABB, Hankook, and SABIC, all contributing to the advancement of electric vehicle innovation and energy efficiency in motorsport.
- A Vision for the Future of Motorsport and AI:
- Alex Aidan, VP of Marketing at Formula E, emphasized that this project is a demonstration of how Google Cloud’s AI can tackle real-world challenges and optimize energy usage, a concept that can be applied across various industries beyond racing.
- Guillaume Roques, Senior Director of EMEA Marketing at Google Cloud, praised the ability of Google Cloud’s technologies to model the complex physics of the descent and optimize regeneration potential, marking a step forward in AI-powered sustainability.
The successful “Mountain Recharge” project marks a revolutionary moment in the world of motorsport, showcasing the synergy between Formula E and Google Cloud to push the boundaries of energy efficiency, regenerative braking, and AI technology. By harnessing the power of Google Cloud’s AI and data solutions, Formula E has demonstrated a practical, sustainable future for both racing and broader industries looking to optimize energy use and reduce their carbon footprint. The collaboration represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable, efficient, and innovative solutions in electric vehicle technology.
