Jaguar unveils 600 kW Formula E racer with F1-beating acceleration

Jaguar has unveiled its most powerful electric race car, with the new I-Type 08 boasting up to 600 kW of power, 700 kW of regenerative braking and acceleration claimed to be faster than a Formula 1 car.

The British carmaker revealed the new electric racer in London this week ahead of the 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, which will introduce a major overhaul of the electric racing series’ technical regulations.

The Jaguar I-Type 08 has been developed for Formula E’s new GEN4 regulations, offering significantly more power, greater battery capacity and permanent active all-wheel drive.

The 600 kW of power comes from a dual-motor powertrain, with 350 kW at the rear and 250 kW at the front, which is a 71 per cent increase in maximum power over the outgoing generation.

Notably, the regenerative braking system can recover energy at rates of up to 700 kW, exceeding the car’s maximum power output.

The GEN4 cars also feature 43 per cent more battery capacity than their predecessors, while Jaguar says lap times could be as much as 10 seconds faster than the previous generation.

“GEN4 is probably going to be the biggest change in Formula E’s history in terms of the performance increase, the technology now available to us and just how complex the cars are,” said Jaguar driver Stoffel Vandoorne.

“It is going to be a big learning curve for everyone, but I feel like we have a very strong team to get on top of what is required for GEN4.”

The new car features active differentials at both the front and rear, allowing drivers to adjust braking, cornering and traction balance from within the cockpit.

Jaguar says the new regulations also give manufacturers more freedom to develop their own electric powertrain technology, including motors, inverters, gearboxes, cooling systems and software.

The development of its own front and rear brake-by-wire systems is expected to feed into Jaguar’s future electric road cars, including the upcoming Type 01 luxury four-door GT.

Jaguar has previously credited its Formula E program with helping develop technology for its road-going EVs, and says the expanded GEN4 regulations will provide further opportunities to transfer racing technology into production vehicles.

The unveiling comes after Jaguar claimed the Formula E Teams’ World Championship in 2026, adding to its previous title in 2024.

The team will enter the new GEN4 era with two former Formula E world champions behind the wheel: António Félix da Costa and Stoffel Vandoorne.

Between them, the pair have recorded 18 race victories and another 31 podium finishes, with da Costa winning the drivers’ championship in 2020 and Vandoorne taking the title in 2022.

Vandoorne previously served as Jaguar’s test and reserve driver, contributing to the development of the new I-Type 08.

Da Costa says the new car presents an exciting challenge.

“Developing a new car is always very exciting; you have to be creative and brave when seeking performance and it is up to us to bring it all together this season,” he said.

The GEN4 regulations will also introduce two aerodynamic configurations and new Bridgestone tyres for dry and wet conditions.

A revised race weekend format will see regular 40-minute E-Prix races continue with ‘Attack Mode’ and ‘Pit Boost’, while double-header weekends will also feature a new 25-minute sprint race without ‘Pit Boost’.

There is an Australian connection to Jaguar’s new racer, with Fortescue Zero’s Elysia battery technology business announced as the team’s official Battery Intelligence Partner for the GEN4 era.

Jaguar TCS Racing team principal Ian James says the introduction of GEN4 comes at an important time for the team’s wider electric vehicle ambitions.

“The Jaguar I-Type 08 is the most performant electric race car created by Jaguar TCS Racing and, alongside a hugely significant moment for the wider brand following the unveiling of the Type 01, really underlines what a pivotal moment this is for Jaguar and its all-electric future,” James said.

The Jaguar I-Type 08 will take to the track at Formula E’s official pre-season testing in Madrid, Spain, from November 16–20, ahead of the start of the new championship.