High-performance EVs are evolving faster than ever. Here are two new developments that deserve a spotlight—and why they matter.
Pit Boost: A Mid-Race Supercharge
Formula E has introduced a new feature called Pit Boost—a 600 kW mid-race recharge in just 30 seconds that delivers about a 10% battery boost. It debuted at the Jeddah E-Prix in February 2025 and is already changing race strategy.
Here’s how it matters:
- Teams can drive harder, knowing they can recharge quickly under pressure.
- Race tactics now include when to pause and boost energy.
- Tech tested under this pressure often filters into consumer EV development.
Chinese EVs Are Racing Ahead
Have you heard about the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and Yangwang U9 Track Edition smashing records? The SU7 Ultra clocked a 7:04.957 lap at the Nürburgring—setting a new production EV benchmark. Meanwhile, the Yangwang U9 reached an astonishing 293.54 mph with a 2,000+ hp torque-vectoring, four-motor setup.
Why it matters:
- These cars outpace some of the fastest EVs from the West—at a lower price point.
- They’re packed with next-gen tech like ultra-high-voltage platforms and advanced aerodynamics.
- Their achievements could shift the EV performance landscape globally.
What Performance Builders Should Watch Next
- Faster charging: Pit Boost shows what’s possible under race conditions—speed is about more than power, it’s about when and how energy gets delivered.
- Heat and power management: Extreme charging and high-power outputs reveal weak points. Cooling, wiring, and component choice matter more than ever.
- New benchmarks from unexpected players: Xiaomi and Yangwang are proving that innovation can come from anywhere.
At Plugin Motorwerks, we don’t just talk EVs—we track the breakthroughs that define tomorrow’s performance standards. Pit Boost and Chinese EV dominance are the kind of developments that will refashion what high-performance EVs can do.
