Porsche Pushes GEN4 Formula E Development in Testing

Porsche says its GEN4 Formula E car has been testing since November, featuring 600 kW power, permanent AWD and new aerodynamics. Read the details.

Porsche is accelerating preparations for the next major step in Formula E, as development of its GEN4 race car has entered an intensive testing phase. Built to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s fourth-generation regulations, the new all-electric single-seater has been running on track since November and is described by the manufacturer as the biggest technological leap the series has seen so far.

The performance jump is significant. Porsche confirms the GEN4 car is designed for 600 kW (816 PS), combined with permanent all-wheel drive, new tyres and a substantial increase in downforce. But the focus is not limited to outright speed. The components are expected to become lighter, more durable and more cost-efficient, even with an extended service life.

A major part of the project revolves around Porsche’s growing number of in-house developments. The company stresses that it is these internal components that truly push the boundaries of the new generation. The list already includes operating software, the pulse inverter, electric motor, gearbox, differential, drive shafts and multiple rear-axle drivetrain elements, as well as cooling and suspension-related components. With GEN4, Porsche adds two further systems to its own portfolio: a DC/DC converter and a brake-by-wire system.

According to Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E, Porsche’s current drivetrain efficiency is already above 97%, meaning less than 3% of energy is lost between the battery and the wheels. The GEN4 programme aims to push efficiency further while also targeting reductions in weight, durability demands and costs. Against that backdrop, the power increase stands out even more: Porsche notes that 600 kW represents a 71% rise in Attack Mode output.

Testing has already generated substantial mileage. By mid-January, the GEN4 Porsche had completed 1,472 kilometres on the Monteblanco and Almería circuits in Spain. A large share of the work, however, continues to take place in the simulator, which Porsche says helps save both resources and costs. The development approach increasingly mirrors road-car processes, although carried out under far tighter time pressure.

The project itself began back in 2024, first in the concept phase and then through simulator work. Porsche admits the workload has been intense, as development of GEN4 has run in parallel with the GEN3 and GEN3 Evo programmes. The company compares this to series production logic: racing the current car, introducing the “facelift” and simultaneously designing the next generation.

Driver feedback suggests the new era will feel dramatically different. Pascal Wehrlein said the GEN4 car is noticeably quicker through fast corners thanks to the new aerodynamics and the downforce it generates. Nico Müller described it as “a beast”, highlighting the traction provided by permanent all-wheel drive and comparing the overall driving sensation to rallycross supercars. He also noted that while sporting regulations for the new era are still not fully defined, the technical side alone points toward a significant shift in the way Formula E racing will unfold.

The next months will be crucial. Porsche plans to continue developing its hardware package until October, before shifting focus toward continuous software optimisation. A Porsche customer team is also testing the new car ahead of the FIA’s planned homologation in autumn. If development continues at this pace, GEN4 could become the generation that reshapes Formula E’s identity — not only as an electric racing championship, but as a high-pressure platform for the next wave of performance technology.