Formula E Unveils Powerful New 800hp Gen4 Car

Formula E has unveiled its Gen4 car, due for 2026-27, delivering 600 kW—over 800 hp—and targeting a step in performance, efficiency, and road relevance across the all-electric championship.

It represents a major jump from Gen3’s 350 kW (469 hp), and the Gen3 Evo’s occasional 400 kW (536 hp) all-wheel drive, which now becomes permanent in Gen4.

Peak race output rises to 450 kW (603 hp), closing on Formula 2’s typical 620 hp and significantly increasing acceleration headroom for deployment strategies and overtaking.

Permanent all-wheel drive removes previous usage limits in duels, starts, and attack mode, promising better traction, broader torque vectoring options, and more consistent race-long performance.

Aerodynamics splits into two configurations: high-downforce for qualifying laps, and low-downforce for races, seeking reduced drag, higher efficiency, and improved following characteristics without sacrificing stability.

Efficiency headlines the package, with near 100% motor efficiency, approximately 40% in-race energy recovery, and construction emphasizing recyclable materials to strengthen Formula E’s sustainability proposition.

An active differential is introduced, expanding tuning scope for entry, rotation, and traction; software calibration and energy blending will become decisive engineering battlegrounds for manufacturers and independents.

The competitive backdrop remains challenging. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and McLaren exited recently, shrinking the grid from 12 teams in 2020-21 to 10, heightening the need for renewed manufacturer engagement.

Series leadership frames Gen4 as a driver-challenging, wheel-to-wheel platform. Expectations include attack-mode outputs above 815 hp and higher mechanical grip from larger tyres to complement the aero and drivetrain gains.

Strategically, permanent AWD and dual aero trims should reshape energy saving, tyre usage, and qualifying-to-race trade-offs, rewarding robust software, thermal control, and adaptable setup philosophies.

The 2025 season begins on December 6 in São Paulo, but Gen4 arrives for 2026-27. Expect faster races, deeper strategic nuance, and stronger sustainability narratives across electric single-seater competition.

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Zane Muniz

Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.