Formula E star Nick Cassidy has warned that the forthcoming Gen4 era is potentially a “make or break” moment in the all-electric championship’s history..
FE has just completed its 11th season, with its most powerful car yet, the updated package of its existing Gen3 model, which saw cars reach 0-60 mph in 1.82 seconds.
The all-wheel drive addition to the car in qualifying and Attack Mode also saw lap records on existing circuits shattered, proving the series’ consistent progress.
Gen4 is set to begin in Season 13, which is set to commence in December 2026, with a car that has been speculated to reach laptimes between 6-10 seconds faster.
Power output will be nearly doubled, with the car projected to reach 600 kW, with RACER reporting that a early spec of the car, piloted by former driver James Rossiter, reached over 200mph at a private test in Spain.
The FIA’s regulations for the Gen4 car that were published in June appear to corroborate the claims of former Formula 1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi.
The Brazilian legend told media including Motorsport Week at the Season 11 opener in Sao Paulo that the car is “going to be faster than the Formula 2 at Monaco”.
Cassidy, who is expected to be announced as a driver for a Stellantis-backed team for Season 12, has said that the Gen4 era could determine the series’ future.
“Yeah, I mean, fantastic for the sport to keep moving,” the Kiwi told Motorsport Week. “Gen1, Gen2, Gen3, and now Gen4. I think the performance increase is fantastic.
“It’s going to be, I think, quite a different category. I hope it brings an excitement level not really seen in the championship.
“It’s almost make or break for us, right? So, yeah, let’s see, but it looks very positive.”
A quicker Formula E car ‘will turn motorsport fans’
Two other major changes for the series is the apparent introduction of a second tyre compound to combat heavily wet conditions, and the increase of the car’s weight by around 150 kg.
Cassidy acknowledged that these are two pivotal changes that have see an achivement of overall improvement.
However, he affirmed that speed will ultimately be the biggest factor in what could attract new fans, many of whom are still sceptical about its place in motorsport.
“I think the first point is making sure we do hit those targets, and that means from the tyre point of view, from the weight point of view, etc.,” he said.
“That with those two performance aspects on the car, where you can change the performance level so drastically.
“It’s important we have those in the right window that we can show the ultimate speed.
“And I think if we can achieve that, then 100% we will turn motorsport fans.”
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