Formula E Mountain Recharge pushes the limits of e-mobility

Still working in AI Studio, we then used a new feature, the ability to build custom apps such as the Maps Explorer, to determine the best route, which turned out to be the Col de Braus. AI Studio then mapped out a route for the challenge. This rigorous, data-backed validation, facilitated by AI Studio and Gemini’s ability to incorporate technical specifications and estimations, transformed the project from a speculative what-if into something Formula E felt confident attempting.

AI played an important role away from the course, as well. To aid in coordination and planning, teams at Formula E and Google Cloud used NotebookLM to digest the technical regulations and battery specifications and locate relevant information within them, which, given the complexity of the challenge and the number of parties involved, helped ensure cross-functional teams were kept up to date and grounded with sourced data to help make informed decisions.

Smart cars, smart drivers, and a smartphone

During the mountain descent, real-time monitoring of the car’s progress and energy regeneration would be crucial. Firebase and BigQuery were instrumental in visualizing this real-time telemetry. Data from both multiple sensors and Google Maps was streamed to BigQuery, Google Cloud’s data warehouse, from a high-performance mobile phone connected to the car (a Pixel 9 was well suited to the task). 

This data stream proved to be yet another challenge to overcome, because of the patchy mobile signal in the mountainous terrain of the Maritime Alps. When data couldn’t be sent, it was cached locally on the phone until the signal was available again.

BigQuery’s capacity for real-time data ingestion and in-platform AI model creation enabled speedy analysis and the calculation of essential metrics. A web-based dashboard was developed using Firebase that connected to BigQuery to display both data and insights. AI Studio greatly facilitated the development of the application by translating a picture of a dashboard mockup into fully functional code.

“From figuring out if our crazy Mountain Recharge idea was even possible, to giving us live insights during the descent, AI was our guide,” said Alex Aidan, Formula E’s VP of Marketing. “It’s what turned an ambitious ‘what if’ into a reality we could track moment by moment.” 

After completing its descent, the car stored up enough energy that it is expected to complete its lap of the Monaco circuit on Saturday, as part of the E-Prix’s pre-race festivities.