Formula E

What is Formula E?

Formula E is the pinnacle of electric open wheel motorsport, conceived as a new series sanctioned by the FIA in 2011. The inaugural championship took place in 2014 with the first race at the Beijing Olympic Park.

The world's premier electric race series was born from the changing focus of the automotive industry towards electrically powered vehicles, and has changed through a range of cars and new racing formats throughout its short history.

Originally conceived as an idea between FIA president Jean Todt and Formula E chairman Alejandro Agag, the series looks to showcase the potential of sustainable mobility and electric vehicles.

The Formula E cars

Formula E’s new GEN4 car represents a major leap forward for the all-electric championship, delivering more power, greater speed and improved performance. 

Capable of producing up to 600 kW (over 815 bhp), the next-generation machine features permanent all-wheel drive and can reach speeds exceeding 335 km/h (210 mph). Acceleration is equally impressive, with 0–100 km/h taking approximately 1.8 seconds. 

Developed for the championship’s next era, GEN4 promises significantly faster lap times while continuing Formula E’s focus on innovation and sustainability. The car will debut competitively in Season 13, ushering in a new chapter for electric single-seater racing.

Formula E Championship

Formula E races are held on adapted street circuits and permanent tracks and a wide range of manufacturers ranging from Stellantis' Citroën brand to Jaguar, Porsche, Nissan and others have competed in the series. 

The competition is currently contested by a total of 12 teams fielding each two drivers and the race itself runs across a distance of between 80-100 kilometres. For the 2021 season the series was granted FIA World Championship status.

Formula E has some innovative features to its racing including Pit Boost, where the drivers pit when the race includes the concept and receive a rapid 10% energy boost, and Attack Mode, in which drivers gain 150kW of power by driving off the racing line through a marked zone.

Formula E Points system

Formula E follows the FIA's standardised points system for races - one that will look very familiar to F1 fans.
 

Points are awarded to the top 10 drivers in the race, as well as to the drivers who progress to the duels in qualifying. Whoever secures pole position gets four points, second place receives three points, third and fourth get two points, while those starting fifth to eighth on the grid get a point for making it into the duels. Whoever sets the fastest lap in the race also gets a point, although they must finish in the top 10.

Pole - 4 points
2nd on the grid - 3 points
3rd-4th on the grid - 2 points
5th-8th on the grid - 1 point
Fastest lap in race - 1 point

For all the latest Formula E news, results and analysis be sure to visit RacingNews365.com.