The FIA has released details of the tender requirements for the next generation of Formula E cars.
As revealed by The Race last month, a deployment of up to 600kW of power will be available with scope for differing power modes to be made available for specific races.
The car is set to be used between 2026 and 2030 but with an option of a contract extension until 2032.
The move to increase the available power comes to both escalate the ‘wow’ factor of all-electric race cars but also to ensure that the technical package is not compromised in areas, such has been the case with the Gen3 project, which had a troubled gestation on many levels.
The FIA stated in the chassis tender document that it aims for the tender ‘to revolutionise the chassis architecture’.
The make-up of the next gen car – currently being referred to as the Gen4 package, though Formula E wants to move away from this terminology – will result in a significant upgrade in power with the front MGU becoming ‘active’ for power deployment – meaning an all-wheel-drive capability for the fourth iteration of Formula E car.
The tender includes a call for two separate aerodynamic configurations, which can be made via ‘adjustable aerodynamic parts/elements’ or from ‘two separate aero configurations’.
One package is set to be close to the current aero package while the other would be a higher downforce/draggier package.
The FIA, which will coordinate with the successful bidders, is exploring a quartet of race scenarios to make up part of the sporting format from the 2026-27 season onwards. These are:
– 300 kW Race (low drag)
– 600 kW Race (low drag)
– 600 kW Qualifying (low drag)
– 600 kW Race (high downforce)
The tenders have been split into chassis, battery and tyres with the potential chassis supplier asked to “consider a broader and deeper front section of the survival cell, beyond the requirements of only the driver controls, safety structures. The volume shall accommodate the front powertrain kit, specific to each manufacturer”.
What the new car will mean in terms of advancement over the current Formula E car is a huge hike in power – around 70% more – a heavier but larger-capacity battery, a 100kW regeneration increase, and an increase in width by 100mm.
The cars will also be heavier, with a 76kg increase from the present car to the new project.
The submission date for tenderers is August 31 this year and a decision will be made by the FIA by October 19 as to which companies will supply the key spec components.
The Race believes that both Prodrive and the Italian YCOM concern have been in the Formula E paddock in recent races and are known to be likely to pursue the tenders with an intention to supply.
