What is Virtual Energy? (NRG)

Virtual Energy (NRG) management is crucial in Le Mans Ultimate, influencing your race strategy significantly. This guide explains everything you need to know about NRG for effective race management.

What is Virtual Energy (NRG)?

• Virtual Energy (NRG) represents the maximum allowable combined energy consumption (fuel + battery/hybrid) per stint.
• It is mandated by WEC rules to simulate real-world energy regulations, ensuring strategic racing beyond outright speed.
• Both Hybrid Hypercars (LMH/LMDh) and LMGT3 classes utilize the Virtual Energy system.

How Does Virtual Energy Work?

• At the start of each stint (after pit stops), you can set the amount of NRG for your car to carry.
  • This affects how long your pitstop takes.
• As you drive, fuel and battery usage (for hybrids) consume your allocated energy.
• If your NRG gauge reaches 0%, you'll receive a severe penalty—a 100-second stop-and-go - potentially significantly compromising your race.
  • Repeated violations incur increasingly harsher penalties.

Virtual Energy in Hybrid Cars (Hypercar Class)

Energy Components

• Hybrid cars have two energy sources: fuel (ICE) and battery (MGU/hybrid system).
• The battery supplements the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), reducing fuel consumption but not adding to total power output.

Managing Your Hybrid System

Battery Deployment (Electric Motor Map):

• Controls how much power your battery provides.

Regenerative Braking (Regen Level):

• Converts braking energy into battery charge.

Key Hybrid Management Tips

• Never let your battery reach 100% charge, as this prevents regenerative braking, increasing brake temperatures and reducing braking performance.
• Avoid completely draining your battery before a pit stop; maintaining a moderate charge preserves strategic flexibility.
• Regularly adjust hybrid settings during races to adapt to conditions, traffic, and stint strategy.

Virtual Energy in Non-Hybrid Cars (LMGT3 Class + Some LMH Cars)

• LMGT3 cars don't have hybrid systems but still follow the NRG regulations based solely on fuel consumption.
• It is used by the competition organisers to balance the stint lengths for varied cars by measuring the amount of power delivered by an engine.
• Energy management involves strategic fuel ratio adjustments and careful driving techniques to manage consumption.

Recommended Driving Techniques for Energy Management

• Lift-and-Coast: Ease off the throttle before braking zones to conserve fuel and battery charge.
• Short Shifting: Shift earlier to reduce engine RPM, thereby conserving fuel.
• Monitor your in-car displays: Keep track of your energy usage and battery levels to adjust your strategy accordingly.