Formula E and the FIA have officially ushered in a new era for electric motorsport with the first public on‑track demonstration of the all‑new GEN4 race car at Circuit Paul Ricard.

The debut marks the beginning of the final development phase before the machine enters competition in the 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The GEN4 car represents the most radical performance leap in Formula E’s twelve‑season history. With over 335 km/h top speed, 0–100 km/h in around 1.8 seconds, and 0–200 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, it is not only dramatically faster than the outgoing GEN3 Evo — it is the fastest accelerating FIA single‑seater outside Formula 1.

The numbers underline the scale of the step forward: 50% more power in race mode than GEN3 Evo, up to 600 kW in ATTACK MODE — a 71% increase over GEN3 Evo, permanent all‑wheel drive, unique among FIA single‑seaters, 10 seconds faster per lap on average in qualifying trim, and at least 5 seconds faster per lap on street circuits than GEN3 Evo.

During the demonstration, the GEN4 car performed overtake laps on its GEN1, GEN2, and GEN3 predecessors, visually illustrating the technological acceleration of the championship.

Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds emphasised the significance of the moment: “GEN4 isn’t just a car, it's a statement of intent. 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.

"The step up in performance is immediately clear, from the speed and power to the way it delivers on track, and there was a genuine buzz among everyone who witnessed it. This is a hugely exciting moment for the Championship as we head into the upcoming 2026/27 Season, and a clear signal of where we are headed.”

Dodds also highlighted the role of manufacturers in the next phase: “This is just the beginning, as its refinement is now in the hands of our manufacturers - Porsche, Jaguar, Stellantis, Nissan, Lola Cars and Mahindra - to push development to even higher limits of performance ahead of its racing debut later this year.

"GEN4 isn’t just an evolution, it’s a step-change in innovation and performance that will redefine motorsport for years to come.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem echoed the sentiment, framing GEN4 as a technological milestone: “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. I am proud that the FIA and its partners in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship are leading this vision.”

He also stressed the collaborative nature of the project: “Collaboration has been central to the development of this car, and it will continue to be at the heart of a new era for the championship defined by greater performance, road relevance, and excitement.

"We are redefining what is possible alongside some of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers using the laboratory of motorsport.”

Beyond performance, GEN4 reinforces Formula E’s position as the most sustainability‑driven motorsport series in the world. The new car introduces several world‑firsts: 100% recyclable racing car, 20% recycled materials across key components , tyres made from 65% natural and recycled materials, including 30% certified natural rubber, battery with zero rare earth minerals.

In addition, GEN4 also brings a suite of safety and ergonomic improvements: wider cockpit for increased hand clearance, power steering to reduce steering loads during impacts, more adjustable driving position, improving inclusivity and accessibility, enhanced crash structures and energy absorption.

All manufacturers — Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, Stellantis, Mahindra, and Lola Cars — attended the launch at Le Castellet, underscoring the strategic importance of GEN4 for their electric mobility programmes.