Formula E GEN4: all you need to know about the new era
The dawn of the GEN4 era
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set for its most significant technical evolution to date. The GEN4 era, officially commencing with the 2026/27 season, represents a monumental leap in performance, sustainability, and engineering sophistication for the all-electric series.
Unprecedented performance metrics
The GEN4 car redefines the capabilities of a single-seater racer. In standard race mode, the powertrain delivers 450kW of power. However, when drivers engage ATTACK MODE or enter qualifying trim, the output surges to a staggering 600kWâapproximately 804bhp. This represents a 71% increase in peak power compared to the GEN3 Evo generation.
This power is harnessed through the series' first-ever permanent, active all-wheel drive system. Unlike its predecessors, which relied on front-motor engagement only for specific scenarios, the GEN4 utilizes AWD to provide unparalleled grip and torque vectoring through every corner. The result is blistering acceleration: the car is capable of hitting 0-100km/h in approximately 1.8 seconds and reaching 200km/h in 4.4 seconds. In qualifying trim, the GEN4 is projected to be roughly 10 seconds faster per lap than the GEN3 machine.
Technical and aerodynamic innovation
The GEN4 platform introduces two distinct aerodynamic configurations: a high-downforce setup optimized for qualifying and a low-downforce configuration tailored for race conditions. These are supported by enhanced regenerative braking capabilities of up to 700kW and a race energy capacity of up to 55kWh, allowing for more aggressive and strategic racing.
Bridgestone will return to an FIA World Championship for the first time in 15 years to supply the series. In a departure from the previous "all-weather" tyre philosophy, the GEN4 will utilize two distinct specifications: a primary high-performance tyre and a dedicated extreme wet-weather 'monsoon' tyre.
A new benchmark for sustainability
Formula E continues to lead in sustainable motorsport, with the GEN4 setting new standards for efficiency. The car is the first to be 100% recyclable, with at least 20% of its construction utilizing recycled materials. The tyres are composed of 65% natural and recycled materials, including 30% certified natural rubber, and the battery is notably free of rare earth minerals. With the ability to regenerate up to 40% of the energy used during a race, the GEN4 reinforces Formula Eâs status as a B Corp Certified series committed to the BSI Net Zero Pathway.
Manufacturers committed to the future
The development of this new era is being driven by a formidable lineup of manufacturers, including Jaguar, Porsche, Nissan, Citroën, Mahindra, Lola, and Opel. These teams are currently engaged in rigorous testing and the development of in-house powertrain and energy management innovations to prepare for the 2026/27 season, ensuring that the GEN4 era delivers the fastest and closest racing in the championship's history.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.