Formula E: Nissan to replace Renault in 2018

Nissan has announced plans to compete in the all-electric Formula E single-seater series next year, but it could come at the expense of partner company Renault. 

According to Auto Express, the Renault-Nissan Alliance “sees no need for its two flagship brands to compete against each other” and it’s expected that Renault will withdraw from the series next year. 

Nissan is tipped to take over from the championship-winning Renault e-Dams team, the magazine adds, which should give it the upper hand over other manufacturers as it won’t need to start operations from scratch.

The move allows Renault to focus its efforts on its rebooted F1 team, says Motorsport.  

Formula E chief Alejandro Agag said: “it’s great to see our first Japanese manufacturer entering the frame, showing truly how global the electric revolution is.

“The shift toward sustainable mobility is in motion, and it’s unstoppable.”

The Japanese carmaker is among a host of manufacturers committing to the racing series over the next two years, joining the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Porsche. 

Manufacturers have been “flocking” to the series due to the “relatively low financial commitment” required compared to other motor sports, The Verge says, making it “a low-risk way to promote a company’s EV efforts to a new, younger audience”.

Formula E also acts as a test bed for manufacturers to trial electric drivetrain parts that can be transferred into their road cars, it adds.