Formula E has unveiled its new Gen4 car, which will debut in the 2026-27 season.
The Gen4 will enjoy 600kW power, which equates to over 800hp. This is a stark improvement over Formula E’s previous-generation machinery, as the Gen3 only reached 350kW (469hp).
The current Gen3 Evo goes up to 400kW (536hp) with the inclusion of all-wheel drive, which the Gen4 will retain.
The Gen4 will outpower its predecessor even in race mode, when its peak power will be 450kW (603hp – very close to Formula 2’s 620hp).
All-wheel drive will however become available at all times – it is currently useable only during qualifying duels, race starts and attack mode.
Aerodynamics-wise, the Gen4 features a high-downforce configuration for qualifying and a low-downforce set-up for the race; the latter reduces drag and therefore energy consumption.
Formula E’s press release hails “the world’s most efficient and sustainable race car: almost 100% motor efficiency, regenerating 40% energy”, while “its construction uses 100% recyclable materials”.
The addition of active differential, on top of the other features, means Formula E is branding its next car as “more road-relevant for manufacturers and their future vehicle innovation than ever before”.
Still, Formula E has suffered an exodus of late. Over the past five years, Audi, BMW, Mercedes and its successor McLaren have called time on their involvement in the world championship, which is now down to 10 teams, compared to 12 in 2020-21.
“The GEN4 is designed for the pioneers of tomorrow,” Formula E co-founder and chief championship officer Alberto Longo said. “The new technical capabilities, from 600kW of power to active all-wheel drive, will test our drivers like never before. It's a car built for wheel-to-wheel battles and pure racing action.
“Together with the FIA, we've created the most challenging Formula E car to master, and we can’t wait to see the incredible racing it will deliver for fans around the world.”
Vincent Gaillardot, the FIA’s Formula E technical manager, added: “GEN4 is the most advanced Formula E single-seater to date, with cutting-edge technology making it the fastest and most powerful electric racing car fans will ever have seen.
“With drivers able to deploy more than 815hp in Attack Mode as well as permanent all-wheel-drive, enhanced aerodynamics and greater grip levels from bigger tyres, GEN4 slots in at the sharp end of the FIA's single-seater pyramid and will be one of the highest performance racing cars anywhere in the world.
“This has been achieved while reducing the restrictions on as many control system features as possible, for road relevancy purposes, carefully managing costs and meeting all development timelines.”
Formula E’s 2025-26 season will get under way with the Sao Paulo E-Prix on 6 December.
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