Nissan joins electric car racing circuit
Add Nissan to the growing number of major automakers throwing their hats into the Formula E ring. The global automaker announced its entry into the all-electric open-wheel series at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Launched in 2014, the FIA Formula E Championship is a global racing series where teams and manufacturers compete with all-electric powertrains on street circuits set up in major urban centres around the world. Nissan will be the first Japanese automaker to compete in the series, which is fitting as it’s a leader in all-electric, emissionfree vehicle technology. The first-generation Leaf model is the best-selling EV of all time, with more than 280,000 units sold since late 2010. “As the ultimate expression of the thrill of instant acceleration and agile handling that’s at the heart of Nissan zero-emission driving, Nissan is going to electrify the Formula E Championship,” said Nissan executive vice-president Daniele Schillaci. Up until now, teams have been privateer outfits, albeit well-funded ones that are partnered with automakers — including BMW, Renault and Jaguar — in technological relationships. But recently, high-profile automakers have announced their intent to join the series with factory team cars, including Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Along with those three, Nissan plans to compete in season five, expected to begin in late 2018 and featuring all-new chassis and battery specifications. “To have a name like Nissan coming on board is a momentous day for the series,” said Alejandro Agag, the founder and chief executive of Formula E. “Not only is it great to welcome a new manufacturer to the Formula E family, it’s great to see our first Japanese manufacturer entering the frame, showing truly how global the electric revolution is.” He noted that Japan is a country at the forefront of new technologies and boasts one of the biggest followings of Formula E. Season four of Formula E begins this December and runs through the end of July. It will feature 13 races, with the final two on a pop-up downtown Montreal street course.