GEN4 cars and a new race format arrive as coastal racing returns on April 17

This June, Formula E returned to Sanya after seven years away, bringing the 2,520-metre Haitang Bay street circuit back into the global motorsport spotlight. Now, the championship is preparing to return with a whole new look.

On September 23, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship officially unveiled its new identity. On April 17, 2027, Formula E will race through Sanya’s Haitang Bay once again, bringing its new GEN4 cars, a new competition format and an updated visual identity. As Formula E enters the GEN4 era, Sanya is set to become one of its closely watched coastal street races in Asia.

A New Identity for Formula E’s GEN4 Era

The rebrand goes beyond a visual refresh. It accompanies wider changes to Formula E’s racing technology, competition structure and global communications. The new logo conveys greater speed and movement, cleverly incorporating the letters “F” and “E”. It is supported by new typography, a dynamic colour palette, motion graphics and broadcast graphics. The visual system has also been adapted for large-screen broadcasts, vertical videos on mobile devices and social media, making race information clearer across different viewing formats.

Arriving alongside the new identity is the next generation of electric race cars: GEN4. Scheduled to make its competitive debut in December 2026, the car will introduce Active All-Wheel Drive (Active AWD) for the first time. The 2026/27 calendar will also expand to 21 races, with the addition of the new E-Prix Unleashed format. From cars and competition to the way the action is presented, Formula E is entering a new chapter.

GEN4 Comes to Haitang Bay, Bringing New Racing Highlights

On April 17, 2027, GEN4 cars will take to the Haitang Bay street circuit in Sanya. Built on public roads, the circuit features numerous corners and relatively narrow sections. Combined with Sanya’s hot, humid coastal climate, these conditions will test both car performance and driver skill. One key question will be whether the additional grip and power delivered by all-wheel drive can translate into an advantage through successive corners and close wheel-to-wheel battles.

The new season will also offer two distinct racing experiences. The traditional E-Prix places greater emphasis on energy management, the timing of attacks and team strategy, while E-Prix Unleashed puts speed and direct competition further into the spotlight. On the same Haitang Bay circuit, with the same generation of GEN4 cars, strategic racing and flat-out sprints promise a more varied experience for spectators.

From 2019 to 2027: Sanya’s Racing Story Continues

Sanya’s relationship with Formula E continues to evolve. From the championship’s first visit in 2019 to its return to Haitang Bay in 2026 after a seven-year absence, and its arrival in 2027 with a new identity and GEN4 cars, the city is witnessing a new stage in global electric racing. For visitors and motorsport fans, the event offers more than a contest of speed: it brings together coastal scenery, cutting-edge competition and a commitment to sustainability.

Event: ABB FIA Formula E World Championship — Sanya E-Prix
Race date: April 17, 2027
Location: Haitang Bay, Sanya
Key highlights: Next-generation GEN4 cars, a new championship identity, updated race formats and coastal street racing

With the South China Sea breeze at its back, racing looks to the future. Join us in Sanya’s Haitang Bay on April 17, 2027, as electric motorsport enters a new era.