Nissan is exploring how its Formula E racing team can contribute to the development of future high-performance electric vehicles under the Nismo brand. According to Nissan Formula E team principal Tommaso Volpe, internal discussions are already underway to see how the Paris-based racing division could support the creation of advanced road cars.
Currently, Nissan only offers one electric Nismo model — the Ariya Nismo — which has had no direct input from the Formula E team. However, Volpe revealed that this may soon change.
“We may develop a prototype version based on a standard chassis, which Nismo could then use to enhance their EV performance models,” Volpe said.
Dual-Motor, All-Wheel Drive Setup in Development
Any upcoming test models are expected to use an all-wheel-drive dual motor configuration, similar to what’s seen in Formula E cars. The focus is on helping Nismo engineers understand how to improve EV efficiency, power distribution, and traction control systems for future production vehicles.
Gen4 Formula E Tech Could Lead the Shift
Formula E will introduce its Gen4 technical package in the 2026/27 season, which includes:
- Dual motors
- All-wheel-drive system
- Power output up to 800 bhp (up from 469 bhp)
Volpe noted that in the past, technology transfer often flowed from road cars to race cars — for example, the Nissan Leaf software code used in earlier Formula E powertrains.
But with Gen4, the flow is expected to reverse.
“This next-generation development will allow racing technology to feed directly into road cars, as performance and efficiency levels are being pushed to the limit,” Volpe added.
Tech Transfer Between Race Cars and Road EVs
One of the key innovations could be Nissan’s use of independent wheel torque control, already featured in the Ariya, and how it could evolve with AWD capabilities to suit future high-performance EVs.
Volpe also mentioned that Nissan was a major force behind pushing for AWD systems in Gen4 rules, alongside other automakers, as it aligns with the future direction of the EV market.
Final Thoughts
The idea of Formula E racing technology powering Nismo road cars isn’t just exciting — it could mark a huge leap for electric performance vehicles. With the Gen4 era approaching, we may soon see track-born innovations hitting the streets, under the iconic Nismo badge.
