ESO is short for Electrical System Officer, a very important role in a Formula Student team building an electric car. An ESO is supposed to keep an eye on the work the team performs on the electric car to identify hazards or dangerous practices. This is necessary to ensure safety at all times!
To ensure that ESOs are able to recognize hazards and make decisions, some events require certified training which should be based on the DGUV 209-093 guideline. The VDE Nord e. V. offers this training free of charge for all their sponsored teams. Other Formula Student teams are eligible to apply for joining the training on a first come – first serve procedure. The training usually takes place in January/February every year and will be held in german only.
ESO Trainings – Season 2025/26
For the 2025/26 season, we are once again offering our free ESO (E-Safety Officer) training sessions at the following dates and locations:
- Graz – February 2–3, 2026
- Berlin I – February 4–5, 2026
- Berlin II – February 6-7 2026
You will receive detailed information about the schedule and start/end times once your registration has been confirmed. Please make sure to keep both days fully available.
Registration is handled via a Google Form. Each participant must complete the form individually and on time. The registration deadline is November 23, 2025. Submissions received after this date cannot be accepted. Please note that available spots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
After the registration period ends, we will review all submitted documents and inform you by December 7, 2025, which training level (if any) you are eligible for. You will then have one week to provide any missing documents if needed.
By December 21, 2025, you will receive the final confirmation about your participation and assigned training level.
During the training allocation, we will evaluate your previous experience to determine whether you qualify for Level 2E or Level 3E. The detailed requirements for each level are listed below.
Please do not request english-language training. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to offer it.
Registration does not guarantee participation in the training.
Who can participate?
Level 2E (work on de-energized parts)
- At least 3rd semester of a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or similar background).
- Minimum of 12 hours practical experience working on electrical components in an electric vehicle (e.g., as team member or mechatronics apprentice).
Level 3E (work under voltage / battery systems)
- Completed (or nearly completed) Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering (or similar) or certified electrician training.
- At least 1 year of practical electrical experience (via apprenticeship or Formula Student work).
- Valid First Aid training + CPR. (Teams may alternatively have a trained paramedic present when working on HV batteries.)
General requirement
- All participants must be VDE members (first year free, then €16/year). Membership also grants access to exclusive VDE events and professional networks.
Training concept
- Based on DGUV I 209-093 safety standard, adapted for Formula Student.
- Ensures compliance in case of accidents and liability – courts would expect proper safety measures.
- Focus: Safe work practices on Formula Student electric vehicles.
- Teams must integrate theory into their daily operations:
- Certain tasks only allowed with trained personnel present.
- Define work/rest times on HV components.
- Set workshop safety rules for non-electricians.
- Combined sessions for Level 2E and 3E participants.
If you have further questions, please email Nicole and Janine: eso@erace-v.de.