Nissan’s dramatic-looking ZEOD RC is set to become the first car to complete an entire lap of the Le Mans 24 Hours race using nothing but electric power.
Unveiled in Yokohama, Japan just eight months after it was first announced, the Zero Emissions On Demand project is essentially a test-bed for a future Nissan LMP1 campaign.
However, before that happens, the prototype is going to compete at Le Mans next year. Event organiser, Automobile Club de l'Ouest, has invited Nissan to take the ‘Garage 56’ entry which is reserved for cars incorporating new technologies.
The ZEOD RC’s pace should be faster than the LM GTE category entries, and speeds along the Mulsanne Straight are expected to top 185 mph (300 km/h). The drivers will be able to switch between pure electric power and a small-capacity turbocharged internal combustion engine, with a brake energy recuperation system helping to recharge the battery pack while on track.
Commenting on the car, Shoichi Miyatani, Nismo President, said: “The ZEOD RC utilises our technology gained through the development of the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC, the first EV racer based on the mass-production zero emission vehicle.
“The Leaf RC’s energy management and efficient energy recovery system that is suitable for racing are just examples. We believe these technologies serve as important steps for using EV for motor sports.”
Following its Japanese debut, the ZEOD RC’s development will resume ahead of its Le Mans debut in June. Michael Krumm and Lucas Ordóñez have been appointed as test drivers for the programme.
Related posts:
2013 Euro-spec Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf Nismo RC
Unveiled in Yokohama, Japan just eight months after it was first announced, the Zero Emissions On Demand project is essentially a test-bed for a future Nissan LMP1 campaign.
However, before that happens, the prototype is going to compete at Le Mans next year. Event organiser, Automobile Club de l'Ouest, has invited Nissan to take the ‘Garage 56’ entry which is reserved for cars incorporating new technologies.
The ZEOD RC’s pace should be faster than the LM GTE category entries, and speeds along the Mulsanne Straight are expected to top 185 mph (300 km/h). The drivers will be able to switch between pure electric power and a small-capacity turbocharged internal combustion engine, with a brake energy recuperation system helping to recharge the battery pack while on track.
Commenting on the car, Shoichi Miyatani, Nismo President, said: “The ZEOD RC utilises our technology gained through the development of the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC, the first EV racer based on the mass-production zero emission vehicle.
“The Leaf RC’s energy management and efficient energy recovery system that is suitable for racing are just examples. We believe these technologies serve as important steps for using EV for motor sports.”
Following its Japanese debut, the ZEOD RC’s development will resume ahead of its Le Mans debut in June. Michael Krumm and Lucas Ordóñez have been appointed as test drivers for the programme.
Related posts:
2013 Euro-spec Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf Nismo RC
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