Nissan to use Formula E team to help develop future Nismo road cars

Nissan is considering using its Formula E team to develop prototype versions of hot EVs that could be used to help create future Nismo performance models. 

Tommaso Volpe, Nissan’s Formula E team boss, told Autocar there are internal talks about how the Paris-based squad can aid the Nismo division in the development of future road-going electric performance cars. 

The Japanese firm currently offers a warmed-up Nismo-badged version of the Ariya electric SUV, but company boss Ivan Espinosa previously told Autocar the firm had “exciting plans” for future sports cars, suggesting he wanted four or five halo models to top the line-up.

While he stressed plans had not been agreed yet, Volpe said a proposal was under consideration for the squad to develop “some prototypes based on normal chassis that can help the Nismo division to enhance the performance of electric cars”. 

He added: “We have the Ariya Nismo now, which has no influence from Formula E, but we are considering a collaboration for future models. We could do a prototype version, then they could use that as a base to develop future products.” 

Any future test mule is likely to be based around the twin-motor all-wheel-drive running gear of a Formula E racer and would be focused on helping Nismo learn about optimising the efficiency of electric performance cars and refining traction management with all-wheel-drive powertrains. 

Notably, Formula E will introduce a new Gen4 technical package for the 2026/27 season. The regulations are set to feature powertrains with permanent all-wheel drive using a pair of motors to produce around 800bhp – up from the 469bhp of the current cars. 

Volpe said the technology transfer in Formula E to date has generally gone from road car to race car, citing lines of Leaf software code used in the programming of the race car powertrain. 

But he added that would switch with the new machines. “The development of the Gen4 cars will be when potential transfers will come from the racing cars to future [road] products, because the level of performance and efficiency will be pushed even more to the limit,” said Volpe.

“Also, they will be all-wheel-drive. With the Ariya we have strong expertise of all-wheel-drive electric powertrains and controlling the grip on four wheels independently. 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 one of the reasons all-wheel drive is there is because of a strong push by Nissan and some other manufacturers, because all-wheel drive is the trend for the core business in the future.”