Formula E
Formula E, officially the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, is the world's first all-electric single-seater motorsport championship, designed to accelerate innovation in electric mobility and promote sustainable urban transport through high-performance street circuit racing.[1][2] Conceived in 2011 by Alejandro Agag and FIA President Jean Todt, the series launched its inaugural season in September 2014 with the Beijing ePrix, featuring 12 teams and Gen1 cars capable of 200 kW power and top speeds of 225 km/h.[2] Over its 11 seasons to date, Formula E has evolved rapidly, gaining FIA World Championship status in the 2020–21 season and expanding to include cutting-edge features like Attack Mode for temporary power boosts and no mid-race car swaps since the Gen2 era began in 2018–19.[2] The championship comprises 11 manufacturer-backed teams—such as NEOM McLaren, Nissan, Jaguar TCS Racing, and Porsche—and 22 elite drivers scheduled to compete in 17 ePrix across 11 global cities in Season 12 (2025–26), with races emphasizing energy management, regeneration, and tactical overtaking on temporary street circuits.[3][4][5] Technologically, Formula E vehicles have advanced from the entry-level Gen1 Spark-Renault SRT_01E to the current Gen3 Evo, introduced in Season 11, which achieves 0–60 mph acceleration in 1.82 seconds—30% faster than a contemporary Formula 1 car—and incorporates all-wheel drive during qualifying duels, race starts, and Attack Mode for enhanced performance and efficiency.[6] These cars, developed in collaboration with the FIA and Spark Racing Technology, boast over 90% recyclable components, bidirectional charging capabilities for potential grid-to-vehicle energy transfer, and power outputs of up to 350 kW (in qualifying and Attack Mode), setting benchmarks for road-relevant electric vehicle innovations like rapid charging and regenerative braking.[6] Looking ahead, the Gen4 car, unveiled in November 2025, will debut in the 2026–27 season with enhanced power over 600 hp, full recyclability, and top speeds over 200 mph.[7] The series' focus on sustainability is evident in its zero-emission races, use of renewable energy at events, and partnerships with cities to trial electric public transport solutions.[1] In terms of global impact, Formula E has grown into a major platform for environmental advocacy, attracting a cumulative TV audience of 561 million and a fanbase of 422 million in Season 11—a 17% and 13% increase, respectively, from the prior season—while driving real-world advancements adopted by automakers like Nissan and Porsche in their production EVs.[8] By hosting races in iconic urban venues from São Paulo to Tokyo, the championship not only delivers thrilling, close-quarters racing but also fosters cross-industry collaboration to combat climate change through accelerated electrification of mobility.[1]Overview
Inception and Purpose
Formula E was conceived on March 3, 2011, when FIA President Jean Todt and Spanish businessman Alejandro Agag met in a Paris restaurant and sketched the idea for an all-electric single-seater racing series on a napkin.[2] This initial vision aimed to create a global championship featuring street circuits in major cities worldwide, bringing high-performance electric racing to urban environments to highlight the potential of sustainable mobility.[2] The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) announced Formula E in 2011 as a new category dedicated to single-seater electric cars, with the core purposes of promoting electric vehicle (EV) technology, accelerating its adoption, and demonstrating the feasibility of EVs in demanding, high-performance settings.[2] By reducing the carbon footprint of motorsport through zero-emission racing, the series sought to raise awareness of environmental issues and drive innovation in sustainable practices.[9] The inaugural season launched on September 13, 2014, with the first race held at Beijing's Olympic Park, marking the debut of this groundbreaking championship.[2] On December 3, 2019, Formula E was granted full FIA World Championship status ahead of the 2020–21 season, further solidifying its role in advancing electric motorsport globally.[2]Sustainability Focus
Formula E has maintained a commitment to net-zero carbon operations since its inception in 2014, implementing a lifecycle assessment model to measure emissions across race operations and headquarters from Season 1.[10] By Season 6, the series achieved net-zero status under the 2020 definition through investments in renewable energy projects in host markets, offsetting all unavoidable emissions.[10] This includes a goal of 100% renewable energy for all events, with car charging primarily sourced from sustainable grids and on-site solutions.[10] As the FIA's flagship all-electric World Championship, Formula E plays a central role in the organization's broader sustainability strategy, which aims for net-zero status across motorsport by 2030.[11] The series has set science-based targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), committing to a 60% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 27.5% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, relative to the Season 5 (2019) baseline of 44,620 tCO2eq.[10] These efforts equate to an overall 45% absolute reduction in emissions across all scopes, with Season 9 already achieving a 27% decrease to 32,600 tCO2eq.[11] Key initiatives include repurposing second-life batteries from Formula E cars for event infrastructure, supported by a partnership with Umicore that recovers over 95% of metals and enables residual power extraction for extended use.[12] Additionally, multi-year collaborations with renewable energy providers like Aggreko deliver event power through biofuel generators (using Stage V HVO for 90% lower CO2 emissions than diesel), solar arrays, and high-efficiency batteries capable of charging four cars simultaneously.[13] These measures align with RE100 commitments for 100% renewable electricity by 2040 and have powered 100% of events with renewables in recent seasons where grid access allows.[12] Formula E's sustainability efforts have accelerated battery technology adoption in road electric vehicles, influencing production models through direct technology transfer from racing.[14] For instance, Nissan's participation since Season 5 has contributed to a 181% increase in the Nissan Leaf's battery capacity, from 22 kWh in 2014 to 62 kWh in current models, alongside a 184% range improvement to 384 km.[14] As of Season 11 (2024–25), Formula E continues to power events with 100% renewables where feasible and unveiled the Gen4 car on November 5, 2025, targeting almost 100% motor efficiency and 40% energy regeneration to further reduce environmental impact.[15]History
Founding and Early Planning (2011–2014)
The concept for Formula E originated on March 3, 2011, when FIA President Jean Todt and entrepreneur Alejandro Agag sketched the idea on a napkin during a dinner in a Paris restaurant, envisioning the world's first all-electric single-seater racing championship to advance sustainable urban mobility.[2] In 2012, Agag founded Formula E Holdings with initial funding from Spanish investor Enrique Bañuelos to organize and promote the series, securing commercial rights from the FIA after the World Motor Sport Council approved the championship in August of that year.[16][17] Regulatory development accelerated in 2013, with the FIA launching a tender for a standardized chassis to ensure cost control and technological focus in the nascent electric racing category. Spark Racing Technology was selected as the exclusive supplier following homologation of its prototype in June, leading to the development of the Gen1 car, the Spark-Renault SRT 01E.[18] Renault joined as the official technical partner in May, leveraging its expertise in electric vehicles and motorsport to supply the powertrain and contribute to the car's design, marking one of the first major manufacturer commitments to the series.[2] Formula E Holdings planned an inaugural calendar for the 2014–15 season featuring 11 races across major cities on street circuits, spanning four continents to integrate racing with urban innovation and environmental awareness.[19] The preparatory phase encountered substantial challenges, including widespread skepticism in the motorsport industry about the performance and appeal of electric vehicles, hurdles in securing additional manufacturers beyond Renault, and funding constraints amid concerns over the viability of an EV-focused championship.[20] These obstacles were overcome through strategic partnerships and rapid prototyping, culminating in the series' debut in September 2014.[2]Expansion and Key Milestones (2015–2025)
Following the inaugural 2014–15 season, Formula E introduced FanBoost in 2014 as a pioneering fan engagement feature, allowing spectators to vote for their favorite drivers via social media and the official app, granting the top three recipients an additional 40 kW of power for up to four activations during the race.[21] This system, which debuted in the inaugural season (2014–15), aimed to boost interactivity and enhanced the series' digital presence.[19] Over subsequent seasons, FanBoost evolved with adjustments to voting windows and power allocations—such as extending usability to six minutes before the race start in 2016—but faced criticism for unpredictability; it was phased out after the 2021–22 season (Season 8), ahead of Season 9 (2022–23), in favor of more standardized features like Attack Mode to maintain competitive balance.[22][23][24] Key technological and structural milestones marked Formula E's maturation. The Gen2 car debuted in December 2018 for the 2018–19 season, featuring a sleeker design, a 54 kWh battery enabling single-car races without mid-race swaps, and a top speed increase to 280 km/h, which broadened manufacturer involvement from seven to ten entrants.[25][26] In 2019, the series introduced its first double-header race weekends during the 2019–20 season, starting with Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, allowing for 13 events across ten cities and intensifying the calendar to build momentum amid growing global interest.[27] The championship elevated to full FIA World Championship status in 2020 for the 2020–21 season (Season 7), following six years of development, a recognition that solidified its position alongside series like Formula 1 and underscored its role in advancing electric mobility.[28] Further innovation came with the Gen3 car's announcement in April 2022, unveiled ahead of the Monaco E-Prix as the world's first net-zero carbon race car optimized for street circuits, promising 350 kW of power and regenerative braking efficiency up to 40%, set to debut in the 2022–23 season.[29] By 2025, Formula E expanded its footprint with new circuits, including the debut Tokyo E-Prix in May 2025 on a 2.58 km layout through the Odaiba district and the Madrid E-Prix in March 2026 at Circuito del Jarama, contributing to a 17-race calendar across 11 cities for the 2025–26 season (as of October 2025).[30][31][32] On November 5, 2025, the Gen4 car was unveiled, featuring active all-wheel drive, up to 600 kW of power (equivalent to 815 hp), and ultra-fast charging capabilities, slated for debut in the 2026–27 season to push efficiency beyond 50% and accelerate sustainable racing advancements.[33] The series' growth extended to its competitive field and audience reach, with the number of teams expanding from eight in the inaugural season to eleven by 2025, fostering greater manufacturer diversity including entries from Porsche, Jaguar, and Nissan.[2] On-site attendance surged from approximately 100,000 across the 2015 season's events to over 500,000 annually by 2025, driven by high-profile races like the Mexico City double-header attracting 120,000 spectators, while the global fanbase exceeded 422 million, reflecting Formula E's rising popularity and alignment with sustainability goals.[8]Organization and Participants
Governing Bodies
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) acts as the international governing body for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, overseeing the development, enforcement, and homologation of all sporting, technical, and financial regulations to promote safety, fairness, and innovation in electric motorsport. The FIA's responsibilities include approving race formats, circuit specifications, powertrain standards, and safety protocols, while ensuring technical components such as chassis and batteries meet rigorous homologation criteria before competition.[34] Through its technical department, the FIA also conducts ongoing monitoring and updates to regulations, such as those governing energy deployment and driver cooling systems, in collaboration with series stakeholders.[35] Formula E Operations Limited (FEO), established as the championship's commercial promoter, manages the operational, marketing, and logistical elements of the series, including event coordination, host city negotiations, and global broadcasting since the inaugural season in 2014.[36] FEO drives the commercial strategy to enhance visibility and partnerships, such as securing media rights and sponsor integrations, while aligning with the series' mission to advance sustainable mobility technologies.[37] In 2025, FEO and the FIA agreed a 10-year extension securing the championship to at least 2048.[38] ABB joined as the title sponsor ahead of the 2017/18 season, rebranding the series as the ABB FIA Formula E Championship and later the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship following the FIA's conferral of official World Championship status in December 2019 for the 2020/21 season onward.[39] This partnership extends through at least 2030, with ABB contributing to on-site charging infrastructure and technology showcases that underscore the series' focus on electrification.[40] The FIA World Motor Sport Council, as the ultimate decision-making body, approves key elements like calendars and major rule changes in consultation with technical experts and series participants to resolve disputes and refine governance.Teams and Drivers
Formula E teams are customer operations partnered with automotive manufacturers who develop and supply the powertrains, adhering to strict technical specifications set by the FIA. Each team is required to field a minimum of two cars per event, ensuring competitive balance and operational reliability across the grid.[41] As of the 2025–26 season, the championship features 10 teams, down from 11 in the prior year following the departures of Maserati MSG Racing and NEOM McLaren Formula E Team after Season 11, with the integration of new partnerships including Citroën Racing.[42][43] The current teams and their manufacturer affiliations reflect a mix of established electric vehicle leaders and motorsport veterans, with powertrains homologated for the Gen3 Evo chassis. Notable examples include TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, leveraging Porsche's in-house developed power unit for high efficiency; Jaguar TCS Racing, utilizing Jaguar's proprietary I-Type powertrain; and Nissan Formula E Team, employing Nissan's advanced electric motor technology derived from road car innovations. Other teams like DS Penske (with DS Automobiles' E-Tense system) and Mahindra Racing (Mahindra's custom powertrain) highlight the series' emphasis on sustainable mobility partnerships. Citroën Racing enters as a newcomer for 2025–26.[44][42]| Team | Manufacturer Partnership | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TAG Heuer Porsche | Porsche | Two-time teams' champions (2022–23, 2023–24) |
| Jaguar TCS Racing | Jaguar | Longest continuous manufacturer involvement since Season 4 |
| Nissan Formula E Team | Nissan | Focus on regenerative braking tech |
| Mahindra Racing | Mahindra | Original grid entrant from Season 1 |
| DS Penske | DS Automobiles | Backed by Penske Corporation |
| Andretti Global | Independent (with supplier) | Acquired BMW i Andretti assets |
| Envision Racing | Independent (with supplier) | Evolved from NextEV; longest-serving team entity since 2014–15 |
| Citroën Racing | Citroën (Stellantis) | Debut season |
| CUPRA KIRO | Porsche (powertrain) | Spanish brand extension |
| Lola Yamaha ABT | Yamaha | ABT's heritage from inaugural season |
Technical Regulations
Chassis and Aerodynamics
Formula E employs a standardized chassis design supplied by Spark Racing Technology across all vehicle generations from Gen1 to Gen4, ensuring parity among teams while allowing innovation in powertrain components. The chassis features a carbon fiber and aluminum monocoque construction, providing structural integrity, crash safety compliant with FIA standards, and a lightweight framework optimized for electric racing demands.[48][49] This monocoque integrates key safety elements, such as the halo device introduced in Gen2, which protects the driver's head while being aerodynamically shaped to limit drag penalties and enhance airflow over the cockpit.[50] Aerodynamic regulations in Formula E prioritize efficiency to maximize energy conservation, with designs focused on minimizing drag and generating sufficient downforce for cornering stability on street circuits. Teams are permitted limited customization within specified zones, such as front and rear wings, diffusers, and sidepod shapes, but the overall bodywork adheres to strict dimensional and material rules to promote close racing. In Gen3, aerodynamic refinements, including sleeker body profiling and underbody floor designs, contribute to reduced drag compared to previous generations, supporting higher top speeds exceeding 320 km/h while preserving battery range.[51] The Gen3 chassis dimensions reflect this evolution: a length of 5.016 m, width of 1.700 m, height of 1.023 m, and wheelbase of 2.971 m, making it more compact than the Gen2's 5.160 m length and 1.770 m width.[51] Weight regulations further define chassis specifications, with the Gen3 minimum weight set at 840 kg including the driver, a reduction from Gen2's 900 kg to improve agility and efficiency without compromising safety. All Formula E cars use Hankook all-weather tires, sized at 18 inches for the front and 18 inches for the rear in Gen3, with tread compounds designed for wet and dry conditions to suit urban ePrix environments.[51] The progression to Gen4, debuting in 2026/27, maintains Spark's role in chassis development while introducing a longer wheelbase of 3.080 m and increased width of 1.800 m to accommodate enhanced powertrain integration, to support permanent all-wheel drive with front and rear motors for optimized weight distribution and handling balance. Aerodynamic rules for Gen4 expand to include switchable high- and low-downforce configurations, allowing teams to adapt setups for qualifying versus race efficiency, further emphasizing drag minimization in line with sustainability goals.[52][49]Powertrain and Battery Systems
The powertrain in Formula E vehicles consists of standardized electric motors and inverters that drive the wheels, emphasizing efficiency and performance under strict regulatory limits. The series mandates a dual-motor configuration in the Gen3 era, with a rear motor capable of delivering up to 350 kW and a front motor rated at 250 kW for energy recuperation and traction in all-wheel drive modes of the Gen3 Evo variant, enabling all-wheel drive in specific modes like qualifying duels, race starts, and Attack Mode.[51][53] This setup provides 300 kW of power during standard race conditions, increasing to 350 kW in Attack Mode to facilitate overtakes; in standard Gen3, qualifying sessions allow up to 350 kW from the rear motor, while in Gen3 Evo, all-wheel drive enables up to 400 kW total.[53][54] The battery system, supplied exclusively by Williams Advanced Engineering for the Gen3 cars, features a lithium-ion pack weighing approximately 284 kg and offering around 51 kWh of total capacity, with regulations limiting base deployable energy to 38.5 kWh per race to support durations without mid-race swaps, plus an optional Pit Boost adding 3.85 kWh via a 30-second 600 kW charge introduced in Season 11 (2024–25).[55] This pack is designed for high power density and sustainability, incorporating recycled materials and end-of-life recycling protocols to minimize environmental impact.[51] In qualifying, the system supports up to 600 kW of regenerative energy recovery, nearly double that of previous generations, allowing drivers to recapture braking energy efficiently.[51] Energy recovery operates via a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS)-inspired mechanism, where both axles contribute to braking energy conversion, achieving up to 95% efficiency in power usage and generating over 40% of a race's total energy needs through regeneration.[51] Regulations cap base deployable energy at 38.5 kWh per race, with optional Pit Boost adding 3.85 kWh, compelling strategic management of throttle, coasting, and braking to optimize the 600 kW peak regen without exceeding limits, which could incur penalties.[56] Safety features, such as the battery management system monitoring voltage and temperature, integrate directly with the powertrain to prevent failures during high-regen scenarios.[51] Looking ahead to Gen4, debuting in 2026/27, the powertrain evolves with permanent all-wheel drive via dual motors delivering 450 kW in race trim and peaking at 600 kW in Attack Mode, alongside enhanced regeneration up to 700 kW.[33] The battery capacity increases to 55 kWh usable energy, enabling more aggressive strategies, while introducing bidirectional charging capabilities to support vehicle-to-grid energy transfer during events.[33][57]Race Format
Practice and Qualifying
In Formula E events, teams conduct two 40-minute free practice sessions, typically scheduled on the Friday and Saturday preceding the E-Prix, to gather telemetry data, fine-tune vehicle setups, and evaluate tire performance under varying conditions. These sessions emphasize track acclimatization without contributing to championship standings, allowing engineers to analyze power deployment and aerodynamics in real-time. Teams are required to field at least one rookie driver in Free Practice 1 at least once per season to foster emerging talent, with all cars limited to 350 kW of power throughout.[58][59] Qualifying follows the practice sessions and employs a distinctive group-based duels format, introduced in Season 5 (2018–19) to promote competitive parity and excitement by minimizing the impact of track position advantages. The 22 drivers are split into two groups of 11—Group A for odd-numbered championship positions and Group B for even—each allocated 10 minutes on track at a maximum of 300 kW to post their fastest laps, with no four-wheel drive permitted. The four quickest drivers from each group advance to the knockout duels stage, while the remaining positions on the grid (9th through 22nd) are filled by group results in alternating odd and even slots to balance starting order.[60][58][61] The duels phase unfolds as a series of head-to-head battles at 350 kW, where four-wheel drive is enabled: eight advancing drivers compete in quarter-final pairings, the four winners proceed to semi-finals, and the two finalists contest for pole position in a decisive timed lap showdown. The duel winner earns the Julius Baer Pole Position and three championship points, with their time setting the benchmark for the grid; sessions operate under parc fermé rules from five minutes before the start, ensuring no adjustments until after the E-Prix. No red flags are deployed during duels to preserve momentum, even in the event of incidents.[62][58][61] For the 2025–26 season, the group stage duration was shortened from 12 to 10 minutes, and intervals between duels were reduced to streamline the approximately one-hour procedure. Track limits are rigorously enforced via automated monitoring, with any violations resulting in lap time deletions and potential steward investigations; repeated breaches can lead to further penalties, such as grid position adjustments. In addition, drive-through penalties issued during qualifying or related sessions may be converted to time additions (typically 33 seconds) if not served on track. Teams now face an increased seasonal entry fee of €145,600, up from €135,825, alongside a €35,000 audit fee, to support championship operations.[63][61][64][65]E-Prix Procedure and Features
An E-Prix, the core event of the Formula E championship, is structured to last 45 minutes plus one additional lap, ensuring a compact yet intense race format that emphasizes energy management and strategic decision-making.[66] This duration has been standard since Season 5, allowing for dynamic racing without the need for mid-race refueling, as vehicles operate on a fixed battery charge.[66] In earlier generations, specifically during the Gen1 era (2014–2018), a mandatory mid-race car swap was required to switch to a second vehicle with a fresh battery, adding a layer of pit strategy; this was eliminated starting with Gen2 in Season 5 (2018–19) and continued to be unnecessary in Gen3 from Season 9 (2022–23) due to advancements in battery technology that enable a full race distance on a single charge.[67] The race begins with a standing start, where cars line up stationary on the grid until the lights turn green, following a formation lap to the dummy grid.[58] Safety car deployments may occur for incidents, with restarts also conducted as standing starts under green lights, though the time under safety car contributes to the overall race duration.[68] To promote overtaking and excitement, unique modes like Attack Mode allow drivers to temporarily boost power output by 50 kW (increasing from 300 kW to 350 kW, including all-wheel drive activation in Gen3), typically activated twice per race by entering a designated off-track zone—with one activation in select PIT BOOST events for the 2025–26 season—depending on the event configuration.[58][69] Originally introduced in the 2018/19 season, Attack Mode requires drivers to take a riskier line, often creating passing opportunities.[70] Another fan-engagement feature, FanBoost, provided a public-voted 30 kW power surge to selected drivers but was phased out after Season 9 (2022–23) to streamline the format and focus on technological authenticity.[71] Pit stops are limited and strategic, primarily for essential repairs, serving penalties, or—in a new development for 2025—mandatory PIT BOOST in select double-header events, where drivers receive a 10% energy increase (3.85 kWh) via a 30-second, 600 kW charge, with a minimum stop time of 34 seconds.[72] No tire changes or refueling occur during races, as teams allocate one set of tires per event, preserving the emphasis on single-stint efficiency.[68] Penalties, such as time additions or drive-throughs (requiring a pass through the pit lane without stopping), may be converted to grid position drops for the next race if the driver finishes outside the top 10 or retires, a rule update implemented in the 2024–25 sporting regulations to enhance fairness.[73] These elements collectively highlight Formula E's innovative approach, blending high-speed competition with sustainable electric racing principles.Vehicle Generations
Gen1 (2014–2018)
The first-generation Formula E car, known as the Spark-Renault SRT_01E, was developed as a spec chassis by Spark Racing Technology in collaboration with Renault, featuring a carbon-fiber monocoque designed by Dallara for enhanced safety and lightweight construction.[74] Powered by a McLaren Electronic Systems motor generator unit delivering a maximum of 200 kW (approximately 270 hp) in qualifying mode and restricted to 150 kW during races, the car accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds and achieved a top speed of 225 km/h.[6] The powertrain included a Williams Advanced Engineering lithium-ion battery pack with 28 kWh of usable energy, weighing around 200 kg, which emphasized energy efficiency in an era when electric racing technology was nascent.[75] This standardized setup ensured parity among the 10 inaugural teams, fostering competition focused on strategy rather than hardware disparities.[76] A defining feature of the Gen1 era was the mandatory mid-race car swap, necessitated by the battery's limited capacity to sustain a full 45-minute plus one-lap ePrix at racing power. Each driver was allocated two identical SRT_01E cars, requiring a pit stop around the 28- to 32-minute mark to switch vehicles and preserve energy for the second stint, adding a layer of tactical depth to races.[77] The McLaren electronics package, including the inverter and control systems, represented a key innovation by integrating advanced power management and regenerative braking—capable of recovering up to 150 kW—to optimize the limited battery life, marking one of the series' early contributions to electric vehicle technology transfer. The Gen1 car debuted in the 2014–15 season and served through four campaigns until its retirement at the conclusion of the 2017–18 season, paving the way for the more advanced Gen2 platform with improved energy density.[78] Over this period, the SRT_01E demonstrated the viability of all-electric open-wheel racing, with 42 units initially produced for the series' launch to equip teams and support testing.[79]Gen2 (2018–2023)
The second-generation Formula E car, known as the Spark SRT05e, marked a significant evolution from its predecessor by doubling the usable battery capacity and eliminating the need for mid-race car swaps, allowing drivers to complete full ePrix distances on a single charge. Introduced for the 2018–19 season, the Gen2 chassis featured a carbon-fiber monocoque with a wider body design to enhance aerodynamics and overall efficiency, while incorporating the Halo cockpit protection system as a standard safety feature mandated by the FIA. This generation prioritized aesthetic appeal with a sleek, futuristic "Batmobile-like" exterior, including integrated LED lights to display strategy information such as Attack Mode activation to spectators.[80] The Spark SRT05e delivered 200 kW of power in standard race mode, increasing to 250 kW during qualifying and Attack Mode, enabling a top speed of 280 km/h and 0–100 km/h acceleration in approximately 2.8 seconds. Its 54 kWh battery, weighing 385 kg, supported these performance gains while maintaining a minimum weight of 900 kg including the driver. Regenerative braking capability reached up to 250 kW, allowing recovery of around 25% of the race's energy needs, which became central to race strategy as drivers optimized energy deployment without the previous constraint of battery swaps.[80][81] Deployed across five seasons from 2018–19 to 2021–22, the Gen2 car underwent minor updates in its Evo variant starting from the 2020–21 season, including aerodynamic refinements such as a new front wing, dorsal fin, and curved rear wing to improve downforce and agility without altering core powertrain specifications. These changes emphasized energy management as a key tactical element, with Attack Mode providing temporary power boosts to overtake rivals, shifting focus from pit strategy to on-track decision-making. The Gen2 era concluded with the transition to the more advanced Gen3 platform for the 2022–23 season.[82][81]Gen3 and Gen3 Evo (2022–2026)
The third-generation Formula E car, known as Gen3, debuted in the 2022–23 season and marked a significant advancement in electric racing technology, introducing all-wheel drive capability and enhanced energy recovery systems. Featuring dual electric motors—a rear unit delivering up to 350 kW and a front unit contributing 250 kW for traction and regeneration—the Gen3 achieves a top speed exceeding 322 km/h. Its 52 kWh usable battery capacity (out of a total 54 kWh pack, with race deployment limited to 38.5 kWh), supports ultra-high-speed charging at 600 kW, enabling potential mid-race pit stops for additional energy. Compared to the Gen2, the Gen3 is over 40% more efficient in energy utilization, with regenerative braking recapturing more than 40% of the race energy—up from approximately 25% in the previous generation—thanks to the combined 600 kW regeneration from both axles.[51][56] Key innovations in the Gen3 emphasize sustainability and versatility, including the use of recycled carbon fiber, linen-based composites in non-structural bodywork, and tires incorporating 26% sustainable materials such as natural rubber and recycled fibers, reducing the carbon footprint by over 10%. The battery employs sustainably sourced minerals, with cells designed for reuse and recycling post-racing life, and supports bidirectional charging for off-track applications like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) energy transfer. These features position the Gen3 as the most efficient formula racing car to date, with electric motors achieving over 95% efficiency, far surpassing the roughly 40% of traditional internal combustion engines.[51] The Gen3 Evo, an evolution introduced for the 2024–25 season and continuing through 2025–26, builds on this foundation with targeted upgrades for performance and durability. It incorporates an aggressive new body kit, including a redesigned rear wing and stronger front wing assembly, to optimize aerodynamics for closer racing while maintaining the 322 km/h top speed. Regenerative braking capacity remains at 600 kW, allowing cars to recover nearly 50% of race energy, but traction enhancements enable up to 400 kW battery output during qualifying and Attack Mode through limited front-axle power (up to 50 kW), combining with the rear motor for a peak of 700 kW in all-wheel-drive configuration.[83][84] Sustainability advancements in the Gen3 Evo include Hankook iON tires with 35% recycled and sustainable materials—an increase of 9% over the standard Gen3—for improved grip and environmental impact. The Evo's final season in 2025–26 aligns with ongoing financial regulations, where teams operate under a €13 million cost cap for the reporting period, excluding maternity and paternity benefits to promote inclusivity. These evolutions ensure the Gen3 platform remains at the forefront of efficient, high-performance electric motorsport until the transition to Gen4.[83][85]Gen4 (2026 onward)
The GEN4 car, the fourth generation of Formula E racing vehicles, was unveiled on November 5, 2025, by the FIA and Formula E, marking a significant advancement in electric racing technology set to debut in the 2026–27 season.[33] It features a maximum race power of 450 kW, escalating to 600 kW in Attack Mode, equivalent to over 800 horsepower, enabling top speeds exceeding 337 km/h.[86] The race-usable energy has increased to 55 kWh, a 43% rise from the 38.5 kWh in the previous generation, supporting more dynamic race strategies while maintaining high efficiency.[86] The vehicle's design incorporates active all-wheel drive, a first for open-wheel racing, achieved through a rear mid-mounted motor for primary propulsion and an engageable front-axle motor for enhanced traction during acceleration and Attack Mode.[87] Regenerative braking has been upgraded to 700 kW, allowing the car to recapture up to 40% of its race energy needs, building on the efficiency foundations of the Gen3 platform.[88] Off-track fast charging capabilities during pit stops enable the addition of 4.05 kWh in approximately 30 seconds, facilitating strategic energy boosts without full swaps.[89] Aerodynamic enhancements include swappable configurations—high downforce for qualifying sessions and low downforce for races—to promote closer racing and improved overtaking opportunities.[90] The technical regulations for GEN4 were approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council in June 2025, emphasizing sustainability with 100% recyclable materials in construction and at least 20% recycled content.[91] A cost cap of €29 million over two seasons for powertrain manufacturers aims to control development expenses while fostering innovation.[92] The platform integrates road-relevant electric vehicle technologies, such as charging interfaces identical to those in production models like the Porsche Taycan, accelerating the transfer of racing advancements to consumer EVs.[93]Seasons and Championships
Overall Champions
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has crowned 11 different drivers as champions across its first 11 seasons since inception, with Jean-Éric Vergne holding the record for most titles with two wins.[94] Teams' championships have been more concentrated, with Renault e.dams securing three consecutive titles in the early years, followed by Mercedes-EQ with two, and Envision Racing (including its Virgin predecessor) claiming two; Jaguar TCS Racing and TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E each with one. Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler demonstrated early dominance in the Gen2 era by winning the teams' title in 2017–18, building on its drivers' success the prior season. Overall, seven unique entrants have claimed teams' titles, reflecting the competitive evolution from manufacturer entries to full factory teams.[94] The championship has expanded significantly, progressing from 11 ePrix in the 2014–15 season to 16 races in the 2024–25 season, allowing for broader global reach and intensified competition.[95]Drivers' Champions
| Season | Champion | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | Nelson Piquet Jr. | China Racing | 126 [94] |
| 2015–16 | Sébastien Buemi | Renault e.dams | 155 [94] |
| 2016–17 | Lucas di Grassi | ABT Sportsline | 181 [94] |
| 2017–18 | Jean-Éric Vergne | Techeetah | 98 [94] |
| 2018–19 | Jean-Éric Vergne | DS Techeetah | 136 [94] |
| 2019–20 | António Félix da Costa | DS Techeetah | 158 |
| 2020–21 | Nyck de Vries | Mercedes-EQ | 103 [94] |
| 2021–22 | Stoffel Vandoorne | Mercedes-EQ | 129 [94] |
| 2022–23 | Jake Dennis | Andretti Global | 268 [94] |
| 2023–24 | Pascal Wehrlein | Porsche Formula E | 198 |
| 2024–25 | Oliver Rowland | Nissan Formula E | 184 [96] |
Teams' Champions
| Season | Champion | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | Renault e.dams | 259 [94] |
| 2015–16 | Renault e.dams | 286 [94] |
| 2016–17 | Renault e.dams | 268 |
| 2017–18 | Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler | 193 [94] |
| 2018–19 | Envision Virgin Racing | 234 [97] |
| 2019–20 | DS Techeetah | 244 |
| 2020–21 | Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team | 207 [97] |
| 2021–22 | Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team | 258 [97] |
| 2022–23 | Envision Racing | 368 [97] |
| 2023–24 | Jaguar TCS Racing | 375 [97] |
| 2024–25 | TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E | 329 |