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Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the continuation of its technical partnership with Lola Cars Ltd. for the development and supply of high-performance electric powertrains in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. This collaboration will extend beyond 2027, encompassing the introduction of the fourth-generation GEN4 machines in Formula E.
Key Highlights
- Extended Partnership: Yamaha and Lola will continue their technical collaboration beyond 2027 for Formula E.
- GEN4 Development: The partnership will focus on developing electric powertrains for the upcoming fourth-generation Formula E machines.
- Technological Advancements: Aims to enhance Yamaha’s expertise in electric technologies and energy management.
- Sustainability Goals: Aligns with Yamaha’s target of achieving carbon neutrality in Scope 3 emissions by 2050.
- Formula E Evolution: GEN4 machines will feature increased power (600 kW) and regenerative braking (700 kW), demanding advanced energy efficiency.
Formula E is the world’s premier all-electric single-seater racing series, showcasing the latest in electric vehicle technology and promoting sustainable motorsports. Since March 2024, Yamaha has been partnering with Lola, a renowned UK-based racing car development company, to supply electric powertrains for the third-generation “GEN3EVO” machines. Together with the German racing team ABT, they compete as the “Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team” in the current season.
Lola Cars Ltd., founded in 1958, has a storied history in motorsports, with its chassis used in various international racing series, including Formula One, IndyCar, and Le Mans. The company’s focus on sustainable motorsports led to its entry into Formula E, where it develops and supplies chassis packages compliant with the series’ standards.
The decision to extend this partnership beyond 2027 underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing electric racing technologies, particularly with the introduction of the more powerful and efficient GEN4 machines in Season 13 (2026-2027). The GEN4 machines will feature a significant increase in performance, with maximum power output raised to 600 kW and regenerative braking capacity to 700 kW. These enhancements will require cutting-edge technologies to achieve higher energy efficiency and power density.
Yamaha views this challenge as an opportunity to strengthen its capabilities in electric technologies and energy management, which are key components of its Technology Vision. The company has set an ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality in its Scope 3 emissions by 2050, and participating in Formula E aligns with this sustainability target.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., known for its motorcycles and marine products, has a long-standing presence in motorsports, including MotoGP and Superbike racing. The company’s foray into electric racing with Formula E represents a strategic shift towards embracing electrification and sustainability in its product development and technological advancements.
By continuing to compete at the highest level of electric racing, Yamaha aims to acquire the ultimate in energy management technology and push the boundaries of power density and efficiency in electric powertrains.
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