Already more effective than spending on traditional advertisements, Nissan sees its participation in Formula E as being more relevant. Not only does it give them a platform to bring the excitement and fun of zero-emission electric vehicles to a global audience, but it also influences the development of its electrified vehicles and vice-versa. This unique philosophy means being able to translate lessons learned at the highest level of electric competition into tangible, real-world benefits.

When Nissan entered Formula E in 2018, it leveraged on its existing EV experience to accelerate development of its Formula E race car. In just six seasons (Season 11 in 2024/2025), it has managed to win the driver’s championship with two races to go. It also managed to clinch third in the manufacturer’s championship.

This particular car, the current Gen3 Evo, was heavily influenced by advanced R&D in Japan in the development of its hardware, specifically the gearbox and the motor. This massively improved the energy efficiency of its powertrain helping them gain an upper hand against the competition.

On the other hand, the Gen3 Evo car supplied Nissan road cars with relevant software that can then be used to make production vehicles even more efficient.

As Formula E opens its next chapter with Gen 4, Nissan is getting ready. The development of its racer is already in full swing at the Nissan Formula E base in Viry-Châtillon in the suburbs of Paris.

Representing the biggest technological leap the series has ever made, Gen 4 racers will offer a peak output of 816 horsepower (600 kW) up from 476 horsepower (350 kW) in today’s Gen 3 cars. This makes it the fastest accelerating FIA-governed race car with a 0-100 km/h time of 1.8 seconds and 0-200 km/h of 4.4 seconds. It’s also the world’s first permanent all-wheel drive single-seater race car.

Nissan reckons that its long history with all-wheel drive will becomes advantageous. It’s always been the bedrock of its halo performance cars whether it’s with ATTESA (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain) found in the GT-R of yesteryears to the e-4ORCE system found in the X-Trail e-Power and Ariya EV today. With Gen 4 cars, they see more opportunities for technology transfer. This time, it’s centered on bringing the brand’s strong expertise in all-wheel drive to Formula E and then back to their road cars.

More than just pure pace and handling, Gen 4 drives Formula E’s sustainability forward as the cars recuperate more than 40 percent of race energy through regenerative braking. There’s also a minimum of 20 percent recycled materials used throughout the vehicle with a target of 100 percent reusable construction. The batteries also contain no rare earth minerals, while the tires are made from 65 percent natural and recycled materials.

Nissan races in Formula E. As part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050, Nissan intends to electrify every all-new vehicle offering by the early 2030s in key markets. The Japanese automaker also aims to bring its expertise in transferring knowledge and technology between the racetrack and road for better electric vehicles for customers. As a race series, there’s a strong relevance to its technology transfer. And as Nissan aptly admits: motorsports often uses the same technical solutions, but in a context that’s much more extreme.