Team returns to EV street racing series with unchanged determination and focus on technological innovation
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – November 21, 2019: Nissan e.dams has not only updated its livery for season six of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship – but revamped the race car’s powertrain for the upcoming challenge.
The season kicks off on Nov. 22 and 23 at the Diriyah circuit in Saudi Arabia.
The upcoming double-header weekend marks the first races for Nissan e.dams’ updated powertrain, updated due to new championship regulations. The single motor solution replaces the innovative dual-motor system that delivered record setting results for the team in season five. Preseason testing has showed promise with the updated powertrain, producing top-10 times in a recent test session in Valencia, Spain.
Nissan e.dams’ is competing in only its second season, and benefiting from stability as the drivers and team members, dedication and focus on innovation remain the same.
“Our debut season was a brilliant platform for showcasing what electric mobility is about, and we will continue pushing the limits in season six,” said Michael Carcamo, Nissan’s global motorsports director. “We’re facing new challenges this year, with our updated powertrain as well as increased competition, with new rivals joining the championship.”
Nissan is competing in Formula E to demonstrate the power and performance of its zero-emission EV technologies, and to communicate the company’s Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision for changing how cars are powered, driven and connected with society.
Nissan is learning lessons on the track that will be used to further improve the company’s all-electric vehicles, and vice versa. For instance, the energy management software in Nissan’s Formula E race car features lines of code used for the best-selling Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, and upcoming vehicles have been strongly influenced by the race machine.
The season six opening race will be the first for Nissan e.dams without team founder Jean-Paul Driot. His sons Gregory and Olivier have stepped in for the upcoming seasons.
“We’re extremely proud of what our father achieved in motorsports,” Gregory and Olivier Driot said in a joint statement. “Our goal is certainly to continue what he achieved through his dedication and determination. He is dearly missed, but we are determined to continue racing in his memory in season six and beyond.”
Also for the first time at the race in Diriyah, Nissan’s Formula E car will feature the logo of Expo 2020 Dubai. As the event’s official automotive partner, Nissan will be working with Expo 2020 Dubai to showcase the latest automotive innovations, concepts and technologies to a global audience.
Driver Quotes:
Sebastien Buemi
“We finished last season with a great run and a win in New York. I think we’re well-positioned to continue that run into season six. New regulations mean we’re starting with an updated single-motor solution, but the car felt very strong at the preseason test.
“We’ve also done considerable work in the simulator to prepare for the first race, but you never really know where you are until you’re on the track with your rivals. The preseason test gives us a bit of a guide, but there are big differences between a road course like Valencia and the street circuit here at Diriyah.”
Oliver Rowland
“I’m coming into season six with a full year of experience under my belt, which is a massive bonus for me compared with last season. “I feel much better prepared, and I know what to expect. Nissan e.dams has done a brilliant job with the updated powertrain. I really enjoyed the circuit here last year. There’s a bit of elevation change and great parts of the track where you’re really threading the needle between the walls.”
About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2018, the company sold 5.52 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.6 trillion yen. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, the Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors in 2016. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance sold 10.76 million vehicles combined in calendar year 2018.