Nissan will leverage its Formula E racing team to spearhead the development of upcoming Nismo road vehicles.
Nissan's Formula E team is set to play a significant role in the development of future Nismo performance electric vehicles. The Japanese automaker plans to leverage the technological advancements from its racing division to create prototypes that will serve as a foundation for Nismo's high-performance EVs.
The new prototypes will focus on optimising the efficiency of electric performance cars and refining traction management, particularly with all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrains. This shift marks a departure from the Ariya Nismo, which currently has no influence from Formula E.
All-Wheel-Drive Technology
The Gen4 Formula E cars, set to debut in the 2026/27 season, will feature around 800bhp and use advanced dual-motor AWD systems. Nissan intends to adapt similar twin-motor AWD running gear for future Nismo prototypes, allowing for precise traction control and improved vehicle dynamics.
Efficiency Optimization
Formula E racing emphasises maximising energy efficiency during races. Nissan aims to transfer this expertise to road cars by using Formula E-developed software and hardware systems that optimise powertrain efficiency and battery management. This will enhance the range and performance balance of Nismo EVs.
Prototype Development
Nissan’s Formula E squad is developing EV prototypes to help Nismo develop the next generation of high-performance electric cars. These prototypes blend motorsport-derived tech with normal chassis to serve as a testbed for performance enhancements before mainstream production use.
Strategic Collaboration
This collaboration between Formula E and Nismo is part of Nissan’s ambition to create several new halo performance EV models that stand out in the market. Ivan Espinosa, Nissan's boss, previously mentioned "exciting plans" for future sports cars, suggesting he wants four or five halo models to top the line-up.
The regulations of Gen4 have been written in an open conversation with manufacturers, with all-wheel drive included due to a strong push by Nissan and other manufacturers. This prioritises all-wheel drive as a trend for the core business in the future.
Nissan has strong expertise in electric all-wheel drive, making it an ideal candidate to leverage the Gen4 technology for its road-going EVs. The potential for technology transfer from Formula E to Nissan's future products is significant, especially in the area of all-wheel-drive electric powertrains.
In summary, Nissan’s Formula E team acts as a technological incubator and development partner for Nismo, focusing on AWD powertrain technology and efficiency improvements that will define the next wave of Nissan’s high-performance electric vehicles. The main focus of these prototypes will be on helping Nismo learn about optimising the efficiency of electric performance cars and refining traction management with all-wheel-drive powertrains.
[1] Nissan's Formula E team to develop electric performance cars for Nismo
[2] Nissan to use Formula E for electric hot hatch development
[3] Nissan to develop electric performance cars with Formula E
[4] Nissan Formula E team to develop electric performance cars for Nismo
[5] Nissan's Formula E team to help Nismo develop electric performance cars
- Nissan's Formula E team will develop electric performance cars for Nismo, focusing on optimising the efficiency of electric vehicles and refining traction management, particularly with all-wheel-drive powertrains.
- To create high-performance electric cars, Nissan plans to utilize the expertise gained from its Formula E racing division, as it shifts its focus toward the development of an electric hot hatch.
- Collaboration between Nissan's Formula E team and Nismo is ongoing, with the objective of developing electric performance cars. This strategic partnership is a key component in Nissan's ambition to release several new halo performance electric models.
- As part of its ambitious plan to lead in the electric vehicle market, Nissan has announced that its Formula E team will assist Nismo in producing electric performance cars, with a particular emphasis on all-wheel-drive powertrain technology and efficiency improvements.
