Formula E Gen4: AWD EVs Reach 210 mph with 804 hp
Introduction
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) confirmed major technical and calendar updates at their recent World Motorsport Council meeting in Macau. While clashes with F1 and endurance events persist, the headline is the arrival of the Gen4 Formula E car for the 2026–2027 season. This next‐generation electric single‐seater pushes permanent all-wheel drive (AWD), nearly F1-level power, and advanced energy management to the forefront of EV racing.
2025–2026 Season and Calendar Highlights
- US round moves to Hard Rock Stadium’s revised street layout in late January.
- Monaco remains on the schedule, raising questions about track width for larger Gen4 cars.
- Two rounds still marked TBC amid ongoing venue negotiations in Asia and South America.
Technical Overhaul: Permanent AWD and Powertrain
Gen4 marks the first FIA‐approved permanent AWD system for a single-seater EV since F1 banned the technology decades ago. Both front and rear axles will be driven by high-efficiency synchronous permanent magnet motors, delivering a combined peak output of 804 hp (600 kW) and an estimated 1,200 Nm of torque. Torque vectoring will be managed via a dual inverters system operating at 900 V DC, improving corner exit traction by over 20% compared to Gen3.
Motor and Inverter Specifications
- Front Motor: 200 kW axial flux unit with 97.5% peak efficiency.
- Rear Motor: 400 kW radial flux unit optimized for high‐RPM power.
- Inverters: Silicon carbide (SiC) devices running at 900 V, enabling fast switching and reduced thermal losses.
Battery and Regeneration Enhancement
Williams Advanced Engineering cedes battery supply to Italy’s Podium Advanced Technologies. The new 54 kWh pouch-cell pack uses a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry with a 4C discharge rate. Despite the power increase, energy efficiency remains paramount:
“We’ve improved gravimetric energy density by 8% and cut pack weight by 5 kg, all while boosting regen capability to 700 kW,” says Dr. Elena Rossi, Podium’s Chief Battery Engineer.
This regen figure, up from 600 kW, combines front and rear motor recuperation, enabling drivers to harvest more braking energy for strategic Attack Mode deployments.
Aerodynamics: High‐ and Low-Downforce Configurations
Bridgestone replaces Hankook and provides tires rated for sustained lateral loads up to 5 g. New wing elements allow teams to switch between high-downforce (Cd ~1.12, downforce ~1,450 kg at 220 km/h) and low-drag setups (Cd ~0.95, downforce ~1,100 kg). Optimized underfloor diffusers and vortex generators enhance cornering stability without exceeding strict drag limits.
Chassis and Weight Management
Spark Racing Technology retains chassis duties, using a carbon-fiber monocoque with integrated halo. At 900 kg race weight with driver, the Gen4 car remains ~20% heavier than an F1 car, but weight distribution is balanced at 48:52 front to rear to accommodate AWD hardware.
Performance Projections and Testing
Recent high‐speed runs at Spain’s Circuito de Navarra saw a prototype Gen4 car reach 210 mph (338 km/h) on the back straight—putting it within striking distance of F1’s top speed. Simulation data predicts 0-100 km/h in 2.4 s and sustained cornering speeds up to 290 km/h in low-drag trim.
Impact on Road‐going EV Technology
Formula E’s tech trickle‐down effect is clear: multi-motor AWD systems, high‐voltage SiC inverters, and advanced regen strategies are already influencing production EVs. Manufacturers like Porsche and Jaguar, committed to Gen4, view the series as a real-world lab for next-generation battery safety, thermal management, and lightweight composite structures.
Expert Opinions
- FIA Technical Director Yves Matton: “Gen4 sets a new benchmark in electric racing, marrying performance with sustainability.”
- McLaren Applied Technologies Director of EV Systems Dr. Suresh Pillai: “The shift to 900 V and AWD in a spec series accelerates adoption across the entire EV ecosystem.”
Looking Ahead: Teams and Manufacturers
Confirmed Gen4 entrants include Nissan, Jaguar, Porsche, Maserati, and Lola—while rumors swirl around potential entries from Mercedes-Benz and Audi Sport. Testing will intensify through late 2025, with aero, thermal, and battery validation programs in Europe and the Middle East.
Conclusion
The Gen4 Formula E car represents a quantum leap in electric racing technology. With permanent AWD, nearly 800 hp, advanced battery regen, and dual‐purpose aero setups, it promises on‐track action close to—or even exceeding—F1 in certain scenarios. As testing continues and more manufacturers join, the 2026–2027 season could be the watershed moment for EV motorsport and production vehicle innovation alike.