Formula E to be held in Tokyo on July 25-26 at night

The "ABB FIA Formula E World Championship," the world's top-tier electric car racing series, will be held around Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo's Ariake district on July 25 (Sat.) and 26 (Sun.), 2026.

The "2026 TDK Tokyo E-Prix" is set to be the first night race for Formula E in Tokyo. With the Tokyo nightscape as a backdrop, electric racing cars will speed through a street circuit, offering a racing experience distinct from conventional motorsports in Japan.

Formula E is a world championship for electric cars governed by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile). Since its inception in 2014, all machines have competed purely on electricity, earning it the nickname "F1 of Electricity."

Its most distinctive feature is that the race venues are major cities around the world. Because the machines are electric, producing no exhaust gases and generating less noise than conventional racing cars, they can race on street circuits specially set up in urban areas. The Tokyo event is one such example, with the race taking place on a special course set up around Tokyo Big Sight.

Formula E Official Page Race Course Introduction

The course for the Tokyo event is planned to be 2.585 km long and consist of 20 corners. The layout features a combination of straights, tight corners, and braking zones, requiring not just top speed but also precise braking, efficient acceleration out of corners, and overtaking in limited space.

On street circuits, the walls are close, and even a small mistake can lead to significant time loss. Furthermore, track temperatures and grip levels can vary greatly, demanding high concentration and precise car control from the drivers. As a night race in 2026, the Tokyo event will present visibility and track conditions different from daytime, which will also influence the race's progression and be a key point to watch.

The 2026 Tokyo event will be held as a "double-header," with final races taking place over two days, July 25 (Sat.) and 26 (Sun.). Qualifying and finals will be held each day, allowing fans to enjoy two races over the weekend, which is a major attraction. Attention will also be focused on how each team will adjust their strategies for the second day based on the results of the first.

How Fast Are Formula E Cars?

Refer to Formula E Japan Official Video

The current Formula E car, the "GEN3 Evo," is characterized by its sharp acceleration, unique to electric racing cars. It can accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in approximately 1.82 seconds, providing overwhelming initial thrust.

Electric motors can generate high torque the moment the accelerator is pressed. Therefore, Formula E showcases a uniquely powerful acceleration from a standing start and out of slow corners.

Furthermore, simply driving fast is not enough to win in Formula E. Decisions on how to use limited battery energy, when to push, and when to conserve it greatly influence the outcome. Drivers must simultaneously manage their energy while competing for position, adding a unique strategic element to Formula E.

"Attack Mode" That Influences the Outcome

One of Formula E's unique features is "Attack Mode."

During the final race, drivers can temporarily use extra power by passing through designated activation zones on the track. While the normal race output is 300 kW, Attack Mode increases it to 350 kW.

Reference image from Formula E Official YouTube Video

However, the activation zones are located off the normal racing line. This means drivers must risk losing time to gain the benefit of Attack Mode.

When should Attack Mode be used? To overtake a car ahead? To defend against a car behind? Or to delay the activation based on safety car periods or the overall race situation? Such decisions make Formula E races more strategic and thrilling.

"Pit Boost," a New Strategic Element

"Pit Boost" is a new element introduced from Season 11.

In designated races, all drivers will pit once during the final race for a 30-second ultra-fast charge. This charge adds 3.85 kWh, equivalent to 10% of the battery capacity.

Pitt Boost must be performed when the battery level is between 40% and 60%. Additionally, since each team has only one charging unit, they cannot pit both cars simultaneously.

Therefore, deciding which driver to pit first and when to use Pit Boost significantly impacts race strategy. Small differences in decisions can lead to position changes, making it a crucial point for spectators.

Hankook Tires Fitted to All Cars

In Formula E, all teams use the same tires. Currently, Hankook Tire is the official tire supplier for the FIA Formula E World Championship.

At the Tokyo event, all cars will be equipped with the Formula E-specific tire, "GEN3 Evo iON Race." The tires used in Formula E are 18-inch all-weather grooved tires. Unlike typical racing where dry and wet tires are used separately, these are designed to handle various track conditions.

There is also a limit on the number of new tires that can be used. For a standard event, up to four tires each for the front and rear are allowed, while for a double-header, up to six tires each for the weekend are permitted. Competing in practice, qualifying, and finals with a limited number of tires, how they are used and when their maximum performance is extracted is also a critical factor supporting the race.

On street circuits like Tokyo, rapid acceleration, deceleration, and continuous cornering are repeated. When watching, in addition to observing each driver's line and braking points, paying attention to whether they can maintain a stable pace until the end will allow for a deeper enjoyment of the race.

Urban Motorsport Championing Sustainability

Formula E is not just a race to compete for speed. It is also a platform to showcase the evolution of electric vehicle technology, the potential of urban mobility, and sustainability initiatives to the world.

The technologies and knowledge gained from racing are expected to be applied to commercially available electric vehicles and related technologies in the future. By holding races in the heart of cities, Formula E serves as a bridge between the excitement of motorsport and the technological development for future transportation.

The "2026 TDK Tokyo E-Prix," where the world's top drivers will compete in electric racing cars on the streets of Tokyo, will be a valuable opportunity for motorsport fans, as well as those interested in electric vehicles, urban events, and next-generation mobility, to experience Formula E.

FIA Girls on Track Tokyo Also Planned

Formula E also runs the "FIA Girls on Track" program, aimed at nurturing the next generation of motorsport talent. This program is a free experience for girls aged 12 to 18, designed to introduce them to the world of motorsport. Through workshops, hands-on activities, and behind-the-scenes access to the paddock, it aims to make motorsport a tangible career option for the future. For the Tokyo event, participants will be recruited through Formula E's official social media and website, with 120 participants selected from applicants. Benefits such as race tickets are also planned for participants.

Motorsport is one of the few sports where individuals can compete on the same field regardless of gender. Hankook Tire not only supports technological innovation through Formula E but also endorses initiatives that foster the challenges of the next generation, contributing to the development of a more diverse and open motorsport culture.

Apply for Girls On Track

About Hankook Tire

Hankook Tire is a global tire manufacturer with tires distributed in over 180 countries worldwide. It offers a wide range of products, including tires for passenger cars, SUVs, trucks and buses, and motorsports, and supplies original equipment tires to major global automakers, building high trust in the global market.

Furthermore, it actively participates in global motorsports such as the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and Lamborghini Super Trofeo, in addition to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The technology cultivated in harsh racing environments is applied to the development of commercial tires, pursuing improvements in performance, durability, comfort, and sustainability required in the era of electrification.

With the brand slogan "Driving Emotion," Hankook Tire will continue to contribute to the future mobility society through innovative tire technology.