Formula E News: Formula E Unveils GEN4 Car at Paul Ricard
LE CASTELLET, France — Formula E and the FIA officially launched the all-new GEN4 race car today at Circuit Paul Ricard, marking the start of a bold new era for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
The GEN4 made its public on-track debut in front of team principals, manufacturers, and a select group of media, delivering a dramatic demonstration of its capabilities by lapping faster than its GEN1, GEN2, and GEN3 predecessors. The car is now in the hands of the manufacturers for final development ahead of its racing debut in the 2026/27 season.
A Massive Performance Leap
The GEN4 represents a genuine step change in electric racing performance. Key specifications include:
– Top speed in excess of 335 km/h
– 0–100 km/h in approximately 1.8 seconds
– 0–200 km/h in just 4.4 seconds — 1.5 seconds quicker than the current GEN3 Evo
– 50% more power in race mode compared to GEN3 Evo
– An average of 10 seconds faster per lap in qualifying trim
– Up to 600 kW in ATTACK MODE — a 71% increase over the previous generation
It is also the only single-seater race car in the world with permanent all-wheel drive.
The on-track demonstration at Paul Ricard left no doubt: GEN4 is significantly quicker and more potent, promising at least five seconds faster lap times on street circuits and the fastest-ever Formula E lap times in history.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Core
GEN4 sets a new benchmark for eco-conscious racing. It will be the world’s first 100% recyclable racing car, incorporating at least 20% recycled materials in key components. Its tires are made from 65% natural and recycled materials (including 30% certified natural rubber), and the battery contains no rare earth minerals.
Formula E remains the only global sport certified to the BSI Net Zero Pathway Standard and the first motorsport series to achieve B Corp Certification.
Driver-Focused Design: Safety and Inclusivity
Beyond raw performance, GEN4 introduces meaningful improvements for drivers:
– Power steering to reduce physical strain and improve safety during impacts
– A wider, more ergonomic cockpit with better hand clearance
– Improved adjustability in the driving position to make the sport more inclusive at the elite level.
Strong Reactions from Leadership
Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, said:
“GEN4 isn’t just a car, it’s a bold declaration of our ambition. 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. This is a hugely exciting moment for the Championship as we head into the upcoming 2026/27 Season.”
H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, added:
“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.”
Manufacturers Ready to Push the Limits
All current and incoming Formula E manufacturers were present at the launch, including Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, Mahindra, Lola Cars, and Stellantis (represented by Opel, which is preparing to join the grid for the 2026/27 season). Development of the GEN4 is now firmly in their hands, with the promise of even greater performance gains before the cars hit the streets in anger later this year.
The GEN4 era is shaping up to be the most exciting chapter yet for Formula E — combining blistering speed, permanent all-wheel drive, cutting-edge sustainability, and a stronger focus on driver welfare. Fans can expect closer, faster, and more spectacular racing than ever before.
The countdown to the 2026/27 season has officially begun.
