Formula E officially launched the highly innovative Gen4 car on Tuesday with a track run at Circuit Paul Ricard ahead of its debut in the 2026-27 campaign.
It is the all-electric championship’s fastest machine yet with a top speed of 208mph and a peak output of 804bhp during qualifying or Attack Mode – approximately 70% more than its predecessor.
The Gen4 is also the only single-seater with permanent all-wheel drive and the first to be 100% recyclable. Formula E will also switch tyre supplier on the Gen4 car’s debut, with Bridgestone set to replace Hankook.
This car will run for the next four seasons starting later this year – the 2026-27 calendar is yet to be announced – with the current Gen3 Evo era set to end in London on 15-16 August.
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said: “Gen4 isn’t just a car, it’s a statement of intent. Seeing what it can do on track for the first time is a real milestone for Formula E – we are now delivering performance levels that were thought impossible for electric vehicles just five years ago.
“The step up in performance is immediately clear, from the speed and power to the way it delivers on track and there was a genuine buzz among everyone who witnessed it. This is a hugely exciting moment for the championship as we head into the upcoming 2026-27 season and a clear signal of where we are headed.
“This is just the beginning, as its refinement is now in the hands of our manufacturers – Porsche, Jaguar, Stellantis, Nissan, Lola Cars and Mahindra – to push development to even higher limits of performance ahead of its racing debut later this year.”
Gen4
Photo by: FIA Formula E
All six manufacturers were present at Paul Ricard but only Porsche, Jaguar and Stellantis (through its Opel brand) hit the track, as the timing of the event clashed with the development schedule for other marques.
Dodds added: “Gen4 isn’t just an evolution, it’s a step-change in innovation and performance that will redefine motorsport for years to come.”
The car is naturally bigger than its predecessors with weight increasing from 863kg to 950kg. It also features a wider cockpit for the introduction of power steering and increased hand clearance.
The Gen4 will also be the first Formula E car to use a full wet tyre following a desire to progress from the all-weather compounds that were previously used. This is predicted to help make the car 10s quicker per lap during qualifying, while in race mode it is due to have 50% more power.
Gen4
Photo by: FIA Formula E
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The new Gen4 Formula E car marks a significant step forward for electric racing, setting a new global benchmark for performance, innovation and sustainability.
“It is not simply just a fast car, it is a statement of intent about the future of this technology. I am proud that the FIA and its partners in Formula E are leading this vision.
“Collaboration has been central to the development of this car, and it will continue to be at the heart of a new era for the championship defined by greater performance, road relevance and excitement.
“We are redefining what is possible alongside some of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers using the laboratory of motorsport.”
The rollout of the new car marks a significant step forward for the 13th season of Formula E, which made its debut in 2014 back when teams had to use two cars per driver as one battery couldn’t cover a full race.
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– The Autosport.com Team
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