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.
When you are interested in joining one of our trainings, please use the following form to put your team on the mailing list.
The registration for our trainings in 2026 will start on 1st of November 2025. You will receive the link to the registration via our mailing list and on this website.
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.
Training structure
- Combined sessions for Level 2E and 3E participants.
- Theory: ~8 hours.
- Practical training: ~12 hours.
If you have further questions, please email Nicole and Janine: eso@erace-v.de.