11 per cent faster lap times & front engine development: FIA publishes Technical Roadmap for Gen4 era

The FIA has published the manufacturer registration and technical roadmap for the Gen4 era. The 27-page document reveals a few surprises: the Gen4 chassis is to be used for longer than its three predecessors, and further freedoms are planned for the manufacturers.

All-wheel drive, 600 kW of power in qualifying, up to 450 kW in the race and 700 kW of recuperation, which is split 50 per cent between the front and rear axle, with a weight of 980 kg - the technical data with which Formula E is launching its fourth generation is impressive. The cars are expected to reach 100 km/h from a standing start in 1.8 seconds, with lap times set to be seven per cent faster than in the eleventh season - the debut of the Gen3Evo update to the current car, which is already set to represent a major leap forward in terms of  performance.

As the Gen4 announcements from manufacturers Nissan, Jaguar, Porsche and Lola have already revealed, manufacturers will have to commit to supplying powertrains for four seasons for the first time in the Gen4 era of Formula E, which begins at the end of 2026. However, this does not necessarily mean the end of the Gen4 era: The FIA document explicitly mentions a possible extension up to and including season 18. This would mean that the Gen4 chassis would be used for another two years.

Update after 2 years again

As in the past, the powertrains for Gen4 will always be homologated for two seasons. During this time, further development is only possible in the area of software. However, experience from the Gen3 era shows that all manufacturers can still make great strides forward.

After two Gen4 years, the bodywork will be given a visual overhaul, similar to the Gen1 and Gen3 cars. No changes are planned to the technical data of the cars, with one exception: A new tyre compound from unified supplier Bridgestone is said to offer around five per cent more grip than before and reduce acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h by a further 0.05 seconds, while the typhoon tyres are to remain unchanged.

Season 17: New battery, more power, more grip

The plan looks different after the fourth Gen4 season: In addition to a further visual overhaul, the FIA is also planning the biggest technical leap ever in Formula E history with the same chassis.

A new battery is to be used, which has a 20 per cent higher energy density for the same weight. This means that the drivers will have 66 kWh of usable energy at their disposal during the race, compared to 55 kWh in the first four Gen4 seasons. The cars will then deliver up to 600 kW during the race, 150 kW more than in previous years.

From 0 to 100 in 1,65 seconds

A further revision of the tyres is also planned: The grip of the tyres is to be increased again by ten per cent, which should make lap times a full eleven per cent faster compared to the Gen3Evo from season 11. The cars should then be able to sprint to 100 km/h in 1.65 seconds. The front engine should also play a decisive role here: According to the FIA document, it is possible that this is included in the manufacturer's scope.

However, fans will have to be patient for a very long time before that happens: The FIA has set 31 January 2029 as the deadline for interested manufacturers to register for the third part of the Gen4 era.