Formula E will remain the FIA’s only fully electric world championship until at least 2048 – New generation of cars to be faster than ever
Shortly before the final race of the 2024/25 Formula E season in London, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and series owner Liberty Global have reached a far-reaching agreement. Formula E will remain the only all-electric racing series with FIA World Championship status until at least the end of 2048. This will prevent other major racing series such as Formula 1 from switching completely to electric power in the future.
The new contract extends the previous agreement, which originally ran until 2038, by a further ten years. The agreement also includes an option for an additional five years, provided certain criteria are met. This strengthens Formula E’s position as the leading platform for top-level electric motorsport.
FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem is delighted with the contract extension: “This decision is a great success for motorsport as a whole. It reflects our long-term strategy of promoting stability, innovation, and sustainable growth in all areas of our sport.”
Bin Sulayem also emphasized that Formula E plays a central role in achieving the FIA’s goals, particularly in the areas of technology, sustainability, and global participation. “We look forward to continuing on this journey with Formula E and helping to shape its development on and off the track.”
New generation of vehicles planned for 2026/27
The future of Formula E is also already clearly outlined in terms of technology. The introduction of a new generation of vehicles is planned for the 2026/27 season. These will feature permanent all-wheel drive for the first time and achieve a system output of 600 kW. Initial simulations indicate that the new vehicles could reach speeds beyond Formula 2 levels.
As part of this development, a gradual transition to permanent race tracks is also under discussion, as many of the current city circuits are increasingly reaching their logistical and infrastructural limits.
Manufacturers continue to back Formula E
Despite the announced withdrawal of McLaren, which is contesting its last two Formula E races this weekend, manufacturer interest remains unabated. Brands such as Nissan, Jaguar, and Porsche have confirmed their long-term commitment. McLaren announced at the beginning of July that it had not found a buyer for its Formula E project.
Mike Fries, CEO of Liberty Global, sees the agreement as a milestone: “We have believed in Formula E from the very beginning. This extension confirms our belief in the potential of the series. It is the motorsport of the future – with cutting-edge technology, thrilling racing and a relevant mission.”
With the long-term support of the FIA, Liberty Global now plans to continue driving the growth of the series and expanding its global fan base. Fries emphasized that Formula E is ideally positioned to define the motorsport of the future – innovative, sustainable, and inclusive.
In sporting terms, the 2024/25 season has already been decided ahead of the final race in London: Nissan driver Oliver Rowland secured the world championship title with two races to spare. The Briton impressed with a strong first half of the season and is now the tenth champion in the series’ eleven-year history.