Yamaha Motor to Continue Technical Partnership with Lola into Next Era of Formula E- Continuing the challenge to develop cutting-edge electric technologies at the standards expected of the world's premier all-electric racing series -
April 10, 2025
IWATA, April 10, 2025 - Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) and Lola Cars Ltd (headquartered in the U.K., hereinafter "Lola") have agreed to continue their technical partnership agreement beyond 2027 for the development and supply of high-performance electric powertrains for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (hereinafter "Formula E"). Even after the introduction of fourth-generation "GEN4" machines, we will continue our challenge and aim to enhance Yamaha Motor's overall expertise and capabilities with electric technologies through the development of cutting-edge electric technologies for the world's premier racing series for all-electric single-seater vehicles.
In March 2024, we signed a technical partnership agreement with Lola, a manufacturer of vehicle packages supplied to Formula E racing teams, for third-generation "GEN3EVO" machines. We began competing from this season (Season 11) in races as "Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team" together with German-based racing outfit ABT, using machines equipped with electric powertrains developed and supplied in collaboration with Lola.
Lola is a long-established racing car development company in the U.K. that has seen its machines entered in numerous international car races. The company advocates for sustainable motorsports and has been developing and supplying chassis packages compliant with Formula E standards since Season 11 (2024-2025) in order to acquire electric racing technologies.
Formula E will introduce fourth-generation "GEN4" machines from Season 13 (2026-2027) and the technical regulations will be changed: maximum power will be increased to 600 kW and maximum regenerative braking raised to 700 kW. This will require technologies achieving even further advancements in energy efficiency.
Yamaha has set a companywide environmental goal to achieve carbon neutrality in Scope 3* emissions by 2050. Additionally, our Technology Vision includes strengthening our new core competencies, one of which is Energy Management. We will continue technological development through our challenge in Formula E, aiming to acquire the ultimate in energy management technology and the world's highest levels of power density and efficiency.
* Emissions produced from Yamaha's value chain, e.g., use of sold products.
Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team machines currently competing in Formula E
In March 2024, we signed a technical partnership agreement with Lola, a manufacturer of vehicle packages supplied to Formula E racing teams, for third-generation "GEN3EVO" machines. We began competing from this season (Season 11) in races as "Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team" together with German-based racing outfit ABT, using machines equipped with electric powertrains developed and supplied in collaboration with Lola.
Lola is a long-established racing car development company in the U.K. that has seen its machines entered in numerous international car races. The company advocates for sustainable motorsports and has been developing and supplying chassis packages compliant with Formula E standards since Season 11 (2024-2025) in order to acquire electric racing technologies.
Formula E will introduce fourth-generation "GEN4" machines from Season 13 (2026-2027) and the technical regulations will be changed: maximum power will be increased to 600 kW and maximum regenerative braking raised to 700 kW. This will require technologies achieving even further advancements in energy efficiency.
Yamaha has set a companywide environmental goal to achieve carbon neutrality in Scope 3* emissions by 2050. Additionally, our Technology Vision includes strengthening our new core competencies, one of which is Energy Management. We will continue technological development through our challenge in Formula E, aiming to acquire the ultimate in energy management technology and the world's highest levels of power density and efficiency.
* Emissions produced from Yamaha's value chain, e.g., use of sold products.
Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team machines currently competing in Formula E
Comment from MARUYAMA, Heiji, Managing Executive Officer and Director of Yamaha Motor
"Yamaha Motor is conducting research and development into various technologies in order to acquire as well as strengthen our new core competencies to provide Kando* to our customers and contribute to sustainability. One of these is Energy Management, which we are sure will see gains through Formula E. We will continue this challenge into the GEN4 season as a technical partner of Lola Cars, and together with our other fully committed partner ABT, we are proud and excited to enhance our technology on the world's premier electric racing stage."
* Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value.
Comment from Till Bechtolsheimer, Chairman of Lola Cars
"Working alongside Yamaha Motor on the development of the powertrain the Lola Yamaha ABT team is currently using in Formula E has been a mutually beneficial and positive experience. Having already committed to GEN4 ourselves, I'm so pleased that Yamaha will be continuing this journey in electric racing with us. With their vast experience and commitment to advancing sustainable mobility, they are the perfect partner for Lola Cars and we look forward to continuing to drive innovation through motorsport with them."
"Yamaha Motor is conducting research and development into various technologies in order to acquire as well as strengthen our new core competencies to provide Kando* to our customers and contribute to sustainability. One of these is Energy Management, which we are sure will see gains through Formula E. We will continue this challenge into the GEN4 season as a technical partner of Lola Cars, and together with our other fully committed partner ABT, we are proud and excited to enhance our technology on the world's premier electric racing stage."
* Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value.
Comment from Till Bechtolsheimer, Chairman of Lola Cars
"Working alongside Yamaha Motor on the development of the powertrain the Lola Yamaha ABT team is currently using in Formula E has been a mutually beneficial and positive experience. Having already committed to GEN4 ourselves, I'm so pleased that Yamaha will be continuing this journey in electric racing with us. With their vast experience and commitment to advancing sustainable mobility, they are the perfect partner for Lola Cars and we look forward to continuing to drive innovation through motorsport with them."
