Electric motorsport just shifted gears in a dramatic way. Formula E and the FIA have officially unveiled the GEN4 — the fourth generation of the all-electric single-seater race car, and by every measurable metric, it is the most advanced, most powerful, and most sustainable machine the championship has ever produced. Set to debut in the 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season, the GEN4 is not just an evolution — it is a complete reimagination of what electric racing can be.
Raw Power: Numbers That Demand Attention
The GEN4 delivers a 71% increase in peak power over the previous GEN3 Evo generation. In standard race conditions, the car produces 450kW (approximately 603hp) of power. Engage ATTACK MODE or enter qualifying trim, and that figure surges to an extraordinary 600kW — the equivalent of over 815 horsepower. With enhanced 700kW regenerative braking, the car recovers nearly 50% of the energy used during a race, achieving motor efficiency exceeding 97%.
The acceleration figures are equally jaw-dropping. The GEN4 can sprint from 0-100km/h in approximately 1.8 seconds, and reaches 200km/h in just 4.4 seconds — a 1.5-second improvement over its predecessor. Top speed exceeds 335kph (over 200mph), and in qualifying trim, the GEN4 is expected to be around 10 seconds faster per lap than the GEN3 car.
"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."— Vincent Gaillardot, Formula E Technical Manager, FIA
All-Wheel Drive, Active Differentials and Smarter Aerodynamics
One of the most significant technical leaps in the GEN4 is the introduction of permanent active All-Wheel Drive — a first in Formula E history and a feature that sets the GEN4 apart as the only single-seater race car to deploy it consistently throughout a race. A dual-motor system paired with an active-locking limited-slip differential on both axles ensures that the car's full 600kW output is channelled into relentless acceleration and superior cornering agility.
The aerodynamic package has also been significantly upgraded. The GEN4 features two distinct aero configurations: a high-downforce setup optimised for qualifying, and a low-drag configuration for race conditions. Power steering has been added for the very first time in Formula E, improving driver confidence and control at high speed.
Battery, Tyres and Energy Management
Powering the GEN4 is a new 55kWh battery — a 43% increase in race energy capacity over the previous generation. This means drivers will have more energy to deploy through a race, enabling bolder strategies and more aggressive on-track battles. The battery is free of rare-earth minerals, an important step toward more ethical and sustainable supply chains.
Tyre supply has shifted to Bridgestone, marking the brand's return to an FIA World Championship for the first time in over a decade. New tyres are wider — 295mm front and 330mm rear — and for the first time, the series introduces a dedicated "Monsoon" wet weather compound, engineered from 65% natural and recycled materials.
Road Relevance: Racing as a Lab for the EV Industry
One of the GEN4's defining ambitions is road relevance. Every technology on the car — from active all-wheel drive and active differentials to ultra-fast 600kW charging and advanced energy regeneration — is designed to reflect and inform the next generation of consumer electric vehicles.
As FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem noted, the GEN4 is "not simply just a fast car — it is a statement of intent about the future of this technology." Faster charging, more efficient power delivery, and more sustainable materials are all areas where Formula E is acting as a high-speed test lab for the broader EV industry. Manufacturers including Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, and Stellantis are already deploying cutting-edge in-house innovations to push performance to unprecedented levels.
Who Is Building It?
Manufacturers confirmed to participate in GEN4 testing and competition include Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, Stellantis, and Lola Cars. Teams are permitted to develop the rear powertrain and associated systems — including rear suspension and active differentials — while the front powertrain remains a common specification.
In testing, the GEN4 has already completed the equivalent of more than a full season's race distance, primarily in the hands of former Formula E driver and Formula 1 test driver James Rossiter, who has reportedly been unable to exit the car without a smile — a very promising sign for what lies ahead in Season 13.