Google Cloud's AI powers Formula E's groundbreaking "Mountain Recharge" feat, charging a race car using only regenerative braking during a French mountain descent.
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| Formula E’s "Mountain Recharge" with Google Cloud AI charges a race car solely through regenerative braking, demonstrating cutting-edge energy efficiency in motorsport. Image: CH |
London, UK – May 3, 2025:
In a groundbreaking demonstration of energy efficiency and cloud-based AI, Formula E has successfully charged its GENBETA prototype race car during a daring 1,000-vertical-meter mountain descent. Powered by Google Cloud’s AI capabilities, the race car utilized regenerative braking to generate enough energy to complete an entire lap of the famous Circuit de Monaco.
This "Mountain Recharge" feat, which took place on a French alpine pass, showcased Formula E's commitment to energy-efficient technology. With the use of the Gemini API via Google AI Studio, Formula E engineers meticulously planned the descent to maximize energy recuperation by analyzing real-time data to optimize braking strategies.
The GENBETA car, driven by Formula E Test Driver James Rossiter, descended the Col de Braus mountain road in "free-wheel mode," starting with minimal energy for system power-up. The car then generated between 1.6 to 2.0 kWh solely through gravity and optimized braking – enough to power the car through a full lap of the Monaco circuit. This energy generation is equivalent to fully charging nearly 60 Google Pixel 9 Pro XL devices.
Google Cloud’s technology played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the project. The Gemini API through Google AI Studio helped analyze critical variables such as speed-to-weight ratios and gravitational forces, ensuring optimal braking zones for maximum energy regeneration. BigQuery, Google Cloud's unified data platform, processed real-time telemetry data from the car, offering valuable insights into the car’s performance throughout the descent.
"We’re not just showcasing a race car's potential; we’re illustrating how cloud-based AI can transform mobility, energy management, and sustainability," said Alex Aidan, VP Marketing at Formula E. "This project represents how technology can solve real-world challenges, from regenerative braking for road cars to dynamic route planning for delivery fleets."
Guillaume Roques, Senior Director of EMEA Marketing at Google Cloud, added, "The 'Mountain Recharge' project is a perfect example of how AI can address complex, real-world challenges. By using Google Cloud’s technologies, we were able to accurately model the physics of the descent and optimize energy regeneration. This is just the beginning of how AI can help organizations optimize for efficiency and sustainability."
The success of the "Mountain Recharge" initiative was filmed and produced by Red Bull Media House, capturing this historic achievement for motorsport and energy innovation. The project was supported by GENBETA partners ABB, Hankook, and SABIC.