Formula E unveils groundbreaking Gen4 car in first track run

Formula E has taken a monumental leap forward, revealing its next-generation Gen4 race car during its inaugural on-track test at Circuit Paul Ricard. The car, which boasts over 804 horsepower and a top speed exceeding 320 km/h, represents a roughly 70% performance increase over the current Gen3 model, signaling a new era of capability for electric motorsport.

Why it matters:

The Gen4's debut is a critical proof point for the evolution and potential of electric racing technology. By achieving performance metrics once thought impossible for electric vehicles, Formula E strengthens its position as a legitimate laboratory for road-relevant innovation, directly challenging perceptions about the limits of EV performance and attracting major automotive manufacturers to invest in its development platform.

The Details:

• The Gen4 car made its first dynamic appearance at Circuit Paul Ricard, immediately demonstrating its significant step up in speed and power.
• Performance Leap: In its maximum performance mode (used for qualifying and Attack Mode), the car produces 804bhp, a stark increase from its predecessor. Its top speed is over 320 km/h.
• Technical Firsts: The car introduces several groundbreaking features for the championship, including permanent all-wheel drive, a fully recyclable chassis, and a switch to Bridgestone tires.
• Manufacturer Development: The prototype's refinement now passes to the series' manufacturers—Porsche, Jaguar, Stellantis, Nissan, Lola Cars, and Mahindra—who will push development further before its racing debut.
• Driver Focus: The car is larger and incorporates new features like power steering and a redesigned cockpit to improve driver comfort and control over the increased performance.

What's next:

The Gen4 era will officially begin in the 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season.

• Intensive development by the six confirmed manufacturers will continue throughout this year and next, shaping the final competitive package.
• This car closes the chapter on a foundational era for the series, which began in 2014 with races requiring car swaps, and opens a new one defined by single-car races with unprecedented performance and a focus on sustainable technology.