Expect Formula E tech to end up in future Nismo models

Nissan may use its Formula E team to develop prototype versions of electric Nismo performance models in future. 

Nissan’s Formula E team boss, Tommaso Volpe, said there have been internal talks about how the French team can help in this endeavour. 

Read our review of the Nissan Z Nismo.

The Japanese firm currently offers a Nismo-badged Ariya. However, new company boss, Ivan Espinosa, stated in the past that the firm had “exciting plans” for future sports cars. Nissan is after a handful of Nismo offerings.

Evidently, the French Formula E team may develop “some prototypes based on normal chassis that can help the Nismo division to enhance the performance of electric cars”. 

Nissan has even said that it is considering a collaboration for the development of future models. The Formula E team could build a prototype version. And then Nissan engineers could use that as a framework to develop future products.

Expect any such vehicle to use the twin-motor all-wheel drive layout of a Formula E racer. The concept for the Formula E team would be to help Nismo optimise the efficiency of electric performance cars. They would also aid in refining traction management of the AWD layout. 

For the next racing season, Formula E will introduce a Gen4 technical package. The powertrains will feature permanent all-wheel drive with a pair of motors producing roughly 600kW, up from the 350kW of the current cars. 

In the past, Formula E cars have drawn from manufacturer experience. Henceforth, the flow would be in the opposite direction. “The level of performance and efficiency will be pushed to the limit” said Volpe.

“There is a huge possibility of transfer with our future products. 

“The regulations of Gen4 have been written in an open conversation with manufacturers, and…all-wheel drive is the trend for the core business in the future.”