RIYADH: Formula E and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have unveiled the all-new GEN4 race car — the most advanced, powerful, and sustainable machine in Formula E history — setting a new benchmark for electric racing innovation and performance.
Set to debut in the 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the GEN4 delivers a major leap forward in power and technology, with 600kW of output (equivalent to over 815 horsepower) and active all-wheel drive, making it the fastest and most challenging Formula E car to date.
“The GEN4 is far more than a race car,” said Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E. “It represents over a decade of progress, innovation, and ambition in electric racing. Co-developed with the FIA, it stands as the most advanced, demanding, and sustainable machine we’ve ever built, redefining what’s possible in performance and environmental responsibility.”
The GEN4 features two aerodynamic configurations — high downforce for qualifying and low downforce for races — while 700kW regenerative braking enables the car to recover up to 40 percent of its race energy. With 450kW peak race power, 600kW ATTACK MODE, and a 55kWh energy capacity, the next-generation car is designed to deliver bold strategies and intense wheel-to-wheel action.
“The GEN4 is designed for the pioneers of tomorrow,” said Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer of Formula E. “Its power and active all-wheel drive will test our drivers like never before. Together with the FIA, we’ve created the most challenging Formula E car to master — built for wheel-to-wheel battles and pure racing action.”
Leading the charge in sustainability, the GEN4 features 100 percent recyclable materials, with at least 20 percent recycled content used in its construction. Every component — from the battery systems to tires and bodywork — is designed for circularity and reduced environmental impact.
“We are very proud to present the innovative GEN4 Formula E single-seater — a car that once again raises the bar in terms of electric technology in motorsport,” said Marek Nawarecki, FIA Senior Circuit Sport Director. “This new framework will allow manufacturers to showcase road-relevant technologies like never before, marking the dawn of a bright new era for Formula E.”
Saudi Arabia’s growing role in Formula E
In a round table with media ahead of the announcement, Jeff Dodds praised Saudi Arabia’s continued impact on the championship and its growing role in shaping Formula E’s future.
“Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aisha, is a key partner for us,” he told Arab News. “We have sponsorship partners and arrangements with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, with SABIC, the chemical company, with Saudia the airline. So we have a kind of deep-rooted relationship with the Kingdom. We’ve been racing there for a very long time.”
He added that Jeddah’s night race remains one of the most spectacular stops on the Formula E calendar.
“Jeddah, for me, is a really interesting location because what you have is a permanent facility with all the lovely things that come with that, but you have a road-style layout, so it allows us to stay true to our DNA,” he said. “It just so happens that we also have the luxury of having a night race as well, which, of course, with the drones and the fireworks and the lights around the car or the neon parts of the car, just creates an incredible spectacle.”
While the race calendar for Gen4 has yet to be announced, Dodds teased a special moment for fans at the upcoming Jeddah event.
“We actually have a little surprise around the race in Jeddah coming up this year, so you’re definitely going to see some interesting things around the race weekend,” he said.
Dodds also underlined that Saudi Arabia’s role extends beyond racing.
“The Kingdom is investing very heavily in next generation energy transition and sustainability, and that is an area we do a lot of partnership with,” he said. “So there’s certainly a key sustainability partner for us as we explore next generation technologies in that space.”
The GEN4 will now enter testing with Porsche, Nissan, Stellantis, Jaguar, and Lola Cars, as manufacturers prepare to fine-tune its performance ahead of the 2026/27 season — marking the beginning of Formula E’s most electrifying chapter yet.
