Formula E is set to debut its new 600 kW all‑wheel‑drive Gen 4 car on an unprecedentedly varied 21‑round calendar that mixes street circuits, historic tracks and full grand‑prix circuits.
Expanded Calendar Signals Growth
Tokyo and Berlin Tempelhof still anchor the early‑season block, while former Formula 1 circuits—Brands Hatch, the Circuit of The Americas and Zandvoort—replace the London ExCeL and join a double‑header in the U.S.
Jeff Dodds told Motorsport that the series’ growth to 400 million fans now justifies a schedule that mirrors Formula 1’s mix, shifting from its original intimate street‑race focus to arenas where the car can truly “show itself off”.
Gen 4 Power and Strategy: Two‑Race Weekends
The new chassis delivers up to 600 kW in “attack” mode, with 450 kW available in race mode and all‑wheel‑drive—a leap that lets the vehicle handle the higher speeds demanded by grand‑prix layouts.
From 2026‑27 onward, each double‑header will feature a standard, battery‑management race and a briefer “E‑Prix Unleashed” sprint, a 10‑minute flat‑out showdown that removes regenerative stops so the Gen 4’s raw power can shine.
While the regular race emulates real‑world EV driving—requiring 40 % battery regeneration in the same braking‑and‑cornering manner—the Unleashed sprint showcases the technology’s instant‑current delivery, a formula that could shift as battery tech evolves toward solid‑state cells and longer ranges.
F3’s Push for F1 Sharing
Dodds added that the Gen 4’s performance is already on “the heels” of Formula 1, positioning the line‑up for a Gen 5 that could once again outstrip the combustion‑powered champs across speed data.
The inclusion of a second U.S. round—at COTA—mirrors F1’s machete‑style push into North America, targeting the same Chinese manufacturers and indoor fanbase that the electric series now serves.
Drivers such as world champion Lando Norris were invited to observe the Monaco E‑Prix, and he praised the competition level, strengthening Formula E’s partnership ambitions with F1’s high‑profile talent.
Calendar Moves Toward Super‑cars and U.S. Markets
With a broader calendar that already features exotic venues, Formula E is eyeing the same U.S. markets as its older sibling, projecting future growth across the world’s fastest metros.
Dodds warned that F1’s announced return to V8 engines in the mid‑2020s will reverse the electrification trend, giving Formula E a clear identity as the pure electric counterpart of the combustion‑based champions.
While both championships will still compete for the same audience, F1’s combustion revival contrasts sharply with the rising tide of electric motorsport, cementing a distinct split between the two spears.
In the wake of Gen 4’s record‑breaking wattage and a calendar embracing street allure and circuit muscle, Formula E is in full pursuit of a modern motorsport identity that sits squarely alongside—and distinctly from—its Formula 1 sibling.
"