Nissan’s ZEOD RC hits 300kph on electric power at Le Mans

Nissan’s innovative electric racing car, the ZEOD RC has recorded the highest-ever speed by an electric vehicle at Le Mans. Earlier today Japanese racer Satoshi Motoyama reached 300kph on the Mulsanne Straight in qualifying for the Le Mans 24 Hours on the ZEOD RC’s race debut.

Motoyama reached the speed on his electric run, achieving one of the key goals of the unique prototype which features a dual electric/internal combustion engine powertrain featuring a pair of 110kW electric motors along with a remarkable 40kg, 400 horsepower 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo engine.

The ZEOD (zero emissions on demand) permits the driver to switch back and forth between the two power sources.

Motoyama achieved the target on his first run in the car after he missed out on driving on Wednesday night due to a gearbox issue in the first session and a series of session-stopping red flags during the night. "I drove the ZEOD at Le Mans for the first time and instantly we were able to reach our target to run at more than 300kph with electric power only," Motoyama said.

Motoyama along with Nissan GT Academy winners Lucas Ordóñez and Wolfgang Reip all drove multiple stints aboard the ZEOD, each recording their mandatory five night laps. The Nissan ZEOD RC competes at Le Mans this week in ‘Garage 56’ – an additional entry for vehicles showcasing new and innovative technology.

The team's next goal is to complete an entire lap of the 8.5 mile Le Mans circuit under race conditions using nothing but electric power. The Nissan team also revealed data from the record-breaking lap showing the internal combustion engines revs at zero, yet the car topping 300kph.