Nissan Formula E Team is gearing up for Round 5 of the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on Saturday in Cape Town, South Africa. This race marks a momentous occasion as South Africa hosts its first-ever E-Prix, bridging the gap between electrification and EV adoption for the African market.
With more than a decade of electric vehicle (EV) expertise and 85 years of motorsport heritage, Nissan aims to bring its experience to the forefront in Season 9 of the championship. Sustainability lies at the core of Nissan’s long-term vision, Ambition 2030, and the company is dedicated to accelerating electrified mobility through innovation. “Nissan South Africa is proud to be playing its role in bringing electrification to the forefront of market discussions. In the Formula E racing series, we not only aim to compete and excel, but also bring the thrill of electric vehicles to the center stage,” said Mike Whitefield, Managing Director for Nissan Africa’s Regional Business Unit.
The championship marks a new era for Nissan’s participation as the company takes full ownership of all its operations in Formula E and makes its debut competing as a unified team under its new name. This season, the team is competing behind the wheel of the all-new NISSAN e-4ORCE 04, showcasing Nissan’s enhanced powertrain capabilities.
Nissan has taken its extensive experience in EV technology to develop the powertrain and control systems of the NISSAN e-4ORCE 04, producing its most efficient racing car to date. Featuring a striking new livery, Nissan’s bold new cherry blossom design is heavily inspired by its Japanese DNA and symbolises a new beginning for the team this season. The racing series will put Nissan’s powertrain expertise to the test, and the insights gained will be invaluable in supporting Nissan’s track-to-road technology transfer and in increasing consumer awareness of the future potential of EVs.
On Saturday 25th February, behind the wheel of the NISSAN e-4ORCE 04, Nissan Formula E Team drivers, Sacha Fenestraz and Norman Nato, will break new ground at the Cape Town Street Circuit. The track will flow through the Waterfront and Green Point districts, offering picturesque views of Table Mountain and the city. The drivers will have little room for error as the 12-turn circuit is poised to be one of the fastest on the calendar.
“This new venue in Cape Town will be very challenging and demanding for both the drivers and the cars,” said Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director and Team Principal, Nissan Formula E Team. “From our work in the simulator, we know it will be very fast, even faster than Hyderabad, so any mistake could have major consequences. We come to South Africa with our learnings from India, although the results weren’t what we hoped they’d be. The team has extra motivation to fight for points with both cars in South Africa.”
As part of a series of events in the lead-up to the historic ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Cape Town, Nissan has also announced the launch of its innovative e-POWER technology in Africa. On 24th February, Nissan introduced attendees to e-POWER and e-4ORCE technologies through a Qashqai and X-Trail driving experience at Killarney Raceway in Milnerton, Cape Town, to demonstrate the full ability of this innovative technology.
“Alongside our support for Nissan Formula E Team, we are proud to launch our e-POWER technology – Africa’s bridge to full electrification adoption,” said Whitefield. “Demonstrating how easily electrified mobility can fit seamlessly into everyone’s lifestyle, Nissan is on a mission to create a cleaner, safer and more inclusive world for everyone. e-POWER, Nissan’s revolutionary bridge to EV technology, is an essential part of the practical transition for Africa from Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) to Electric Vehicles (EV).”
Season 9 of Formula E marks a new era for Nissan’s participation in the championship and the introduction of e-POWER to Africa marks a new era for the market more broadly.
Qualifying in Cape Town begins at 11:40 SAST (UTC +2) with the race getting underway at 16:00 SAST on Saturday 25 February.
Find out how to watch here: Ways to watch – ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
