Lola and Yamaha extend partnership in the Gen4 era of Formula E

Around four months after their joint debut in the Formula E World Championship, Lola and Yamaha have announced that they will continue their partnership in the Gen4 era starting in the 2026-27 season. Together, they want to utilise the greater scope for technological development in the powertrains for the fourth-generation Formula E cars.

After Lola signed up for the Gen4 era of Formula E last summer, it is now also clear that the technical partnership with Yamaha will continue. Although the first races with the jointly developed powertrain were characterised by major technical problems - Lola Yamaha ABT is still the only one without a point in the championship standings - the partnership is to be extended beyond 2026.

The exact technical details of the drive systems for the Gen4 racing cars and the sporting regulations are not yet known. What is known, however, is that the power output will increase from the current maximum of 350 kW to 600 kW and the recuperation from 600 kW to 700 kW.

Bechtolsheimer: The collaboration has been a positive experience"

"Working alongside Yamaha Motor on the development of the powertrain the Lola Yamaha ABT team is currently using in Formula E has been a mutually beneficial and positive experience," Till Bechtolsheimer, Chairman of Lola Cars, said. "Having already committed to Gen4 ourselves, I’m so pleased that Yamaha Motor will be continuing this journey in electric racing with us. With their vast experience and commitment to advancing sustainable mobility, they are the perfect partner for Lola Cars and we look forward to continuing to drive innovation through motorsport with them."

"The continued partnership between Lola Cars and Yamaha Motor into the Gen4 era of Formula E underscores the championship's pivotal role in driving technological innovation for sustainable mobility," says Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds. "With the significant performance advancements planned for Gen4, this collaboration will undoubtedly push the boundaries of electric powertrain development, showcasing the cutting-edge technology that Formula E champions. We're thrilled to see these industry leaders commit to our vision of a future where high-performance and sustainability go hand-in-hand."

Maruyama: "We will continue to take on the challenge into the Gen4 era"

"Yamaha Motor is accelerating its research and development of various technologies to acquire and enhance new core technologies that will provide Kando to our fans and contribute to sustainability in the future," adds Heiji Maruyama, Managing Executive Officer and Director of Yamaha Motor. "One of these initiatives is the acquisition of advanced energy management technology that will be honed in Formula E. We will continue to take on the challenge into the Gen4 era as a technical partner of Lola Cars. We are very proud and excited to enhance our technology on the world's highest stage of electric racing with our reliable partner."

First, however, Lola Yamaha ABT will be fighting for its first points in the team standings at the Miami E-Prix next Saturday. The race starts on Saturday evening shortly after 8pm CET.

*: Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value