Porsche extends Formula E involvement

Porsche has decided to extend its involvement in Formula E. It means the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer will continue to compete in the electric racing series from Season 13 (2026/2027), when the fourth generation of vehicles is introduced.

In 2023, Porsche extended its involvement in Formula E by two years until the end of 2026. When the sports car manufacturer entered Formula E in 2019, its involvement in the world’s first electric racing series was initially planned for five years until the 2023/2024 season.

It is unclear from the car manufacturer’s announcement how long Porsche will now commit to Formula E. However, to make developing its own drive system for the Gen4 vehicles worthwhile, it will likely be a multi-year project, presumably until season 15 or 16. A few weeks ago, Nissan extended its commitment until season 16, i.e., until 2029/2030.

Development freedom benefits Prosche customers finally

Porsche’s reasons for the renewed extension include precisely these drive regulations for the upcoming fourth generation of Formula E racing cars. That is because Gen4 is intended to bring further development freedom. “The knowledge from racing flows directly into our sports cars,” Porsche writes.

“Like Formula E, we want to add innovative technologies and increased sustainability to motorsport – and be at the cutting edge of new developments,” says Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport.

“The world championship offers a first-class stage for this: racing at the highest level, public interest worldwide, and high technological relevance. The knowledge from racing flows directly into our sports cars: motorsport engineers sit shoulder to shoulder with colleagues from road projects. After all, we don’t develop technology for the sake of technology – it must benefit our customers.”

Gen4 is the next big step

The current third-generation vehicles have an output of 350 kW, which is set as an upper limit. If a car delivers more power, even for a short time, it is penalized in the race. The manufacturers develop the motors, inverters, software, and rear suspension themselves.

The car itself, the battery, and the electric motor on the front axle, which is currently only used for recuperation, are standardized components. Starting next season with the Gen3 Evo, this motor will also occasionally be used for propulsion. However, the next big step is to be taken with the Gen4: the drive power is to be increased to 600 kW, and recuperation is even possible with up to 700 kW.

Long term commitment

“Right from the outset, we regarded our Formula E commitment as long-term,” says Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development at Porsche AG. “The evolution of racing vehicles shows how much development potential there is in e-mobility.”

“Going forward, we want to glean even more knowledge from Formula E that we can transfer to our roadgoing sports cars. As one of the most competitive series in motor racing, it’s already pushing us to achieve technological excellence,” he adds.

“With their unwavering commitment and innovative spirit, we are thrilled to announce that Porsche will continue to be a cornerstone of our championship for at least another four years,” says Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E. “Their dedication to the highly anticipated Gen4 era not only pushes the boundaries of technology and performance but also sets a new standard for excellence in worldwide motorsport.”

“With its participation in the world championship, Porsche underlines its commitment to take a leading role among traditional automobile manufacturers in the areas of electrification, sustainability, and technology. In Formula E, the brand gains valuable insights for its electric series-production sports cars,” the press release concludes.