Yamaha Motor and Lola Extend Technical Partnership into Formula E GEN4 Era
IWATA, April 10, 2025 – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) has announced the continuation of its technical collaboration with UK-based Lola Cars Ltd beyond 2027. The extended partnership will focus on developing and delivering high-performance electric powertrains for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. This move reaffirms Yamaha’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge electric technologies within the world’s leading all-electric single-seater racing series.
The collaboration between Yamaha and Lola began in March 2024, when both companies signed an agreement to co-develop electric powertrains for Formula E’s third-generation “GEN3EVO” vehicles. Entering competition in Season 11 (2024-2025), the “Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team” — a joint effort with German motorsport outfit ABT — has been racing with systems co-developed by Yamaha and Lola.
Source: ABB Formula E
Lola, a renowned UK motorsports engineering firm, is well-known for its longstanding legacy in global racing and its dedication to sustainable motorsports. Since Season 11, Lola has been providing Formula E-compliant chassis packages as part of its effort to lead in electric vehicle racing technologies.
Looking ahead to Season 13 (2026-2027), Formula E will launch the fourth-generation “GEN4” race cars. These next-gen machines will introduce significant changes in technical regulations, including a boost in maximum power output to 600 kW and an increase in regenerative braking capacity to 700 kW. These updates will require even more sophisticated technologies to push the envelope of energy efficiency.
Yamaha Motor is aiming for carbon neutrality in its Scope 3 emissions by 2050. As part of its broader Technology Vision, the company has identified Energy Management as one of its key future competencies. By continuing its involvement in Formula E, Yamaha seeks to develop world-class energy management systems and achieve new benchmarks in power density and efficiency.
Heiji Maruyama, Managing Executive Officer and Director of Yamaha Motor, shared his thoughts:
“Through our participation in Formula E, we aim to enhance our core technological strengths and deliver Kando—that sense of deep satisfaction and excitement—to our customers, while also contributing to a more sustainable future. With GEN4 on the horizon, we’re excited to continue working alongside Lola Cars and ABT, and we look forward to evolving our electric technology at the pinnacle of electric racing.”
(Kando is a Japanese concept describing a profound emotional response to exceptional value.)
Till Bechtolsheimer, Chairman of Lola Cars, also commented:
“Our partnership with Yamaha Motor in developing the current Formula E powertrain has been extremely positive. With both companies now committed to the GEN4 era, we’re thrilled to continue this journey together. Yamaha’s dedication to innovation and sustainable mobility makes them the ideal partner, and we’re eager to keep pushing the limits of electric racing technology.”
