Remember the days when people (me included) said electric cars couldn’t be exciting? Well, Nissan’s just about to prove every sceptic wrong. The Japanese automotive giant is gearing up for Formula E’s most ambitious chapter yet with the GEN4 car, and it would appear that it’s time to take notice.
What Makes GEN4 the Real Deal?
The GEN4 car is a quantum leap. We’re talking about peak power nearly doubling from 350kW to a eye-watering 600kW (816hp). Acceleration-wise, these machines are absolutely mental. Zero to 62mph takes just 1.8 seconds, while 0-124mph happens in 4.4 seconds. To put that in perspective, these single-seaters are now the fastest-accelerating FIA-governed race cars on the planet. It’s the kind of performance that’ll make your heart skip a beat from the grandstands.
GEN4 becomes the world’s first permanent all-wheel-drive single-seat race car. That’s a genuine technical revolution that opens up incredible possibilities for technology transfer between track and road.
The Nissan Connection – It’s Not Just About Winning
What sets Nissan apart isn’t just raw speed, it’s the company’s commitment to translating Formula E innovations into real-world benefits. The legendary e‑4ORCE all-wheel-drive technology that’s already proving its worth in production vehicles like the X‑Trail e‑POWER and Ariya is getting a supercharger boost from GEN4 development.
Tommaso Volpe, Nissan Formula E Team’s managing director, puts it perfectly: “The GEN4 car is another animal. I think people will be surprised by its performance and it will help convince the very few old traditional motor sport fans who are still sceptical about Formula E to appreciate this sport.”
The ‘track to road’ philosophy that drives Nissan’s Formula E program means that engineering breakthroughs happening on the circuit will eventually find their way into your next electric Nissan. It’s a two-way street, the pioneering spirit of the first-generation Nissan LEAF, launched in 2010, continues to fuel the team’s racing ambitions.## The Sustainability Story Nobody’s Talking About
While GEN4 flexes its muscular performance credentials, it’s simultaneously becoming the world’s most sustainable race car. More than 40% of race energy is generated through regenerative braking, the target is 100% reusable construction, and minimum 20% recycled materials are used throughout the vehicle. The battery contains zero rare earth minerals, and tyres are made from 65% natural and recycled materials. This is the first global sport certified to the BSI Net Zero Pathway Standard and the first motorsport championship to achieve B Corp Certification for environmental performance.
The Driving Experience – What the Pilots Are Saying
Sam Bird, Nissan’s reserve and development driver, has piloted every generation of Formula E car, and he’s genuinely blown away.”GEN4 represents our biggest jump yet, with almost double the output, and it’s an enormous amount of power under your right foot. It feels like you’re leaving your physical body behind and pushing forward. It’s quite unbelievable to drive.”
Oliver Rowland, Nissan’s reigning Formula E world champion, echoes the sentiment: “The power the GEN4 car has is quite eye-opening. The high downforce offers lots of grip compared to what we’re used to and there’s so many new technical options, with the differential, four-wheel drive and more power on the front axle. We’ve got almost double the power, so the acceleration is incredible and everything happens a lot faster.”
The Calendar – Legendary Circuits, Legendary Racing
Season 13 is about new venues that’ll elevate Formula E to unprecedented levels. The calendar now includes some legendary circuits like Zandvoort, Circuit of the Americas, and Brand Hatch, which will host the 2027 London E-Prix over the Spring bank holiday weekend. A new, high-downforce ‘E-Prix Unleashed’ race format makes its debut at double-header events.
Why This Matters Beyond the Track
Nissan’s commitment to Formula E through 2030 is a serious R&D investment. The lessons learned developing GEN4’s powertrain, particularly the advanced gearbox and motor technology influenced by Nissan’s Japanese engineering excellence, are already shaping the future of electrified road cars.
The e‑4ORCE technology proves Nissan is a genuine leader in all-wheel-drive innovation.This expertise gained on the circuit will transfer directly into production vehicles, making tomorrow’s electric Nissans safer, more efficient, and more capable.
Tarmac Takeaway
GEN4 represents a watershed moment for Formula E. It’s faster, more sustainable, and technologically more ambitious than anything the championship has attempted before.For Nissan specifically, it’s an opportunity to cement its position as a serious electric performance manufacturer while advancing the entire EV revolution.
Quick Facts About GEN4
- Peak Power: 600kW (816hp), up from 350kW- 0-62mph: 1.8 seconds- Top Speed: 208mph- Powertrain: Permanent all-wheel drive- Energy Recovery: Over 40% through regenerative braking- Debut: Season 13 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
