Formula E was launched in 2014, and over the years, it has changed and grown into a serious motorsport with fans and manufacturers based all over the world. FIA has confirmed that the 4th generation of these cars will come out in the 2026-27 season.
In this article, we’ll discuss what’s expected out of that launch and whether the cars from this generation match and rival those of F1. Many believe that it’s time for Formula E to become something more than a novelty and, in fact, be made equal to F1.
What Makes Gen 4 a Game-Changer
The technical leap between the previous generation and this one was one of the biggest so far. Power output has risen dramatically, and it’s now at 600kW, while the previous generation was at 350kW. The cars, therefore, can recharge more aggressively while braking, allowing the drivers to introduce new strategies.
For the first time, all cars will have permanent all-wheel drive. This will provide sharper acceleration and greater stability out of corners. Manufacturers also have the ability to innovate with systems such as active differentials, brake-by-wire setups, and power steering.
The design has also changed dramatically since the previous generation. The Gen 4 chassis is longer and wider, measuring about 5.54m by 1.80m. It makes the car appear more aggressive. Aerodynamics have also improved greatly, and a full rear wing is now common.
Tyres have improved as well. Bridgestone provides a wider 18-inch tire with wet-specific compounds. It improves grip and durability. All of this is to say that Formula E isn’t just a novelty anymore, but a serious attempt at modernising the series. Some betting sites, such as Bitstarz casino, already provide odds on the future of the series. Sites such as these allow the players to make wagers using crypto and to play both games of luck and sports betting games.
How Close to F1 Are We?
The main question now is how these stats will work on the track and whether it will be as successful in real life as it is in the tests. At this point, we know that Gen 4 is able to reach the speeds of 210mph (338km/h), which is a massive leap from the previous year.
At Monaco, simulations place lap times between 1:15 and 1:18. This means that it’s faster than Formula 2 at this point. Acceleration is also one of the areas that has improved the most. It’s now better than Formula 1. 0–100km/h times are projected at around 1.8 seconds. With better tires, it could get better than that.
Industry Commitment
Car manufacturers are fully committed to the introduction of the new generation. Porsche, Nissan, Jaguar, Stellantis, and Lola have already signed up to produce such vehicles by 2030. It goes to show that they have faith in the tech and its future.
However, there are also teams that have decided not to commit fully. McLaren, for instance, will exit Formula E after the current season. They will instead focus on other motorsports programs and site comparative challenges that the series faces.
Beyond racing, Formula E’s advancements act as testbeds for electric mobility. It will influence battery life, drivetrain, and energy management technology.
Challenges Ahead
There are still challenges ahead for the new generation of racing cars that could stall the process and even halt it altogether. First of these is how the fans perceive Formula E. Most fans see F1 as the more authentic series, and the E series just as a novelty.
Safety and regulations could also be an issue that the new series will have to face. This is because high-speeders set in urban areas require modifications to tracks, barriers, and even race formats. With these changes, the series will carve out its own identity, different from F1.
Formula E CEO, Jeff Dodds, has already teased a Gen 5 car, about six years after Gen 4 started. This can lead to the Gen 4 being overrun without actually getting started and finding its footing among the fans.
To Sum Up
Many feel that the Gen Z Formula E could rival F1. This is somewhat true when it comes to performance, at least. The fourth generation has improved so much compared to the previous one, and in many metrics, the cars can rival those of F1. It’s not clear if that’s enough.
There are also obstacles to consider, since the new cars may require some races to be modified and some formats as well. Fans are also not seeing Formula E as an important series when compared to F1, which is seen as the real deal.
