Formula E: ABB's Sustainable Power Converter Technology

ABB has introduced new DC-DC converter technology from its Brightloop product lineup in the GENBETA prototype vehicle. The company revealed the equipment as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returned to Berlin's Tempelhof Circuit.

The GENBETA is a modified high-performance version of Formula E's GEN3 racecar. The vehicle was developed to test EV performance at extreme levels. In 2023, the GENBETA secured a Guinness World Record for fastest indoor land speed.

Converter enables dual voltage operation

The DC-DC converter from ABB allows the main battery to operate onboard electronics at different voltages simultaneously. The technology enables GENBETA's 800Vdc high voltage battery to deliver zero to 100 km per hour acceleration in 1.86 seconds.

At the same time, the converter supplies power to 12 or 24Vdc systems. These systems include control electronics, communications and displays.

According to ABB, the development of these power electronics could show their role as a key differentiator in energy management. The company says this applies across various vehicle architectures.

The technology was unveiled at Formula E to demonstrate its application in high-performance environments. ABB says the innovation supports sustainable motorsport through improved energy efficiency.

Record-breaking prototype development

GENBETA is based on Formula E's Gen 3 racecar design. In 2023, the vehicle broke the indoor land speed world record by more than 50 km per hour.

The car reached a top speed of 218.71 km per hour inside a building in London. Driver Jake Hughes of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team achieved the official Guinness World Record title.

Fabiana Cavalcante, Global Head of Mobile e-Power at ABB, says: "ABB's DC-DC technology is yet another example of our commitment to support Formula E in its quest to lead sustainable motorsport globally.

"Not only as principal partner to the Championship, but also through technical innovations that power the series, ensuring it remains Engineered to Outrun, creating solutions that translate from the track to real-world applications."

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Dan Cherowbrier, Chief Technology Officer at Formula E, says: "The introduction of ABB's DC-DC converter technology into the GENBETA car is a significant technical milestone for the Championship.

"This innovation allows us to optimise the car's power management by simultaneously running high-voltage powertrains and sensitive onboard electronics at different voltages, directly supporting our 'race to road' philosophy.

"It demonstrates how Formula E continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology in a high-performance environment."

Testing ground for urban mobility

ABB describes Formula E as a platform and the GENBETA car as a high-speed living laboratory.

The company says this environment connects its engineering expertise with high-performance testing conditions.

According to ABB, the testing ground helps refine Engineered to Outrun technologies.

These include advanced energy systems and power electronics.

The company says these technologies could define more efficient and sustainable future urban mobility.

ABB states this applies both on and off the track.