S7-5: Formula E Miami 2026 with Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director, Nissan Formula-e Team
About this episode
Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director of the Nissan Formula E Team, shares insights on the upcoming Generation 4 cars and the unique aspects of Formula E racing. He discusses the significance of all-wheel drive technology, the strategic energy management required during races, and the importance of transferring technology from motorsport to consumer vehicles. Volpe also highlights the differences between Formula E and other motorsports, emphasizing the excitement of strategy and efficiency over sheer speed. The conversation touches on Nissan's ambitions and the evolving landscape of electric racing.
In this episode we go trackside at the Formula E Miami e-Prix 2026 for an in-depth conversation with Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director of the Nissan Formula-e Team, who breaks down the technological and competitive evolution of Formula-e, the strategic pillars behind Nissan’s success, and the innovations shaping electric motorsport. He also reflects on Nissan’s championship-winning momentum following the 2024–2025 season, and what it means for the future of high-performance electric racing.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Formula E
"And then in Formula E, differently from Formula One, for instance, we have the Manufaktor championship, which is a third ranking. And the way it is accounted is that basically we have only five manufacturers in the sport that produce the car."
Formula E is a racing series where all the cars are electric. It's different from other racing series because it focuses on using clean energy and racing in city streets.
Formula E is a class of motorsport that uses only electric-powered cars, focusing on sustainability and innovation in automotive technology. It features teams and manufacturers competing in street circuits around the world, distinct from traditional racing series like Formula One.
Formula One
"And then in Formula E, differently from Formula One, for instance, we have the Manufaktor championship, which is a third ranking. And the way it is accounted is that basically we have only five manufacturers in the sport that produce the car."
Formula One is a popular racing series where teams race very fast cars on tracks around the world. It's known for its exciting races and skilled drivers.
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, known for its high-speed cars and prestigious races held worldwide. It features teams that design and build their own cars, competing for both drivers' and constructors' championships.
manufacturers
"And the way it is accounted is that basically we have only five manufacturers in the sport that produce the car. And then you have five independent teams that buy the car from the other manufacturers."
Manufacturers are the companies that make the cars used in racing. In Formula E, there are a few companies that build the cars that teams race.
In motorsport, manufacturers refer to the companies that design and produce the cars used in racing. Their performance is often tracked through championships, and they play a crucial role in the development of racing technology.
McLaren
"...which was McLaren. So McLaren, until last year, was racing with an instant car."
McLaren is a famous car company from the UK that makes fast sports cars and is well-known for racing in Formula 1. They have created some of the most legendary cars in automotive history.
McLaren is a British automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars and involvement in motorsports, particularly Formula 1. They have a rich history in racing and have produced iconic models like the McLaren F1.
Formula 1
"...which was McLaren. So McLaren, until last year, was racing with an instant car."
Formula 1 is a top-level car racing competition where teams race specially designed cars on tracks around the world. It's known for its speed, technology, and exciting races.
Formula 1 is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It features teams and drivers competing in a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
homologation
"...next year is the new cycle of homologation called Generation 4. Because every four years we call, let's say, these homologation cycles as generations."
Homologation means getting official approval for a car to be sold or raced. It ensures that the vehicle meets all necessary rules and safety standards.
Homologation is the process of certifying that a vehicle meets specific regulations and standards for safety, emissions, and performance. This is crucial for cars to be eligible for competition or sale in certain markets.
generation
"...next year is the new cycle of homologation called Generation 4. Because every four years we call, let's say, these homologation cycles as generations."
A generation of a car is a version that is made for a certain number of years. Each new generation usually has improvements or changes compared to the last one.
In automotive terms, a generation refers to a specific version of a vehicle model that is produced over a set period, typically lasting several years. Each generation may include updates in design, technology, and performance.
all wheel drive
"...one point that for Nissan was very important for Gen 4 was the introduction of all wheel drive cars..."
All wheel drive means that all four wheels of a car get power from the engine, which helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather or off-road.
All wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, enhancing traction and stability, especially in challenging driving conditions.
Nissan
"...we wanted to prove our abilities in the sport on the all wheel drive technology..."
Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many types of vehicles, including electric cars. They are known for their technology and have a big role in the car industry.
Nissan is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars. They have a strong presence in the global automotive market and are recognized for their innovation in electric vehicle technology.
attack mode
"No, well we have all wheel drive now, but it's only during the attack mode, only for eight minutes in the race. Next year will be full all wheel drive all the time."
Attack mode is a special boost that drivers can use during a race to go faster for a short time. They have to choose the right moment to use it to get ahead of their competitors.
Attack mode is a feature in Formula E racing that allows drivers to temporarily increase their power output for a limited time, enhancing their performance during the race. It adds a strategic element to racing, as drivers must decide when to activate it.
power train
"And we have actually implemented a lot of solutions in the power train development coming from the core business."
The powertrain is what makes a car move. It includes the engine or motor and all the parts that help get the power to the wheels. In electric cars, it mainly involves electric motors and batteries.
The powertrain is the system in a vehicle that generates power and delivers it to the wheels. It includes components like the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. In electric vehicles, the powertrain is focused on electric motors and batteries.
downforce
"...we missed the downforce that is in other categories. So for sure our corner speed will be much stronger than what we have now."
Downforce is a force that pushes a car down onto the road, helping it stay stable and grip better when going fast. It's especially important in racing to help cars turn without losing control.
Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes a car down towards the road, increasing tire grip and stability at high speeds. It is crucial in racing, especially in categories like Formula 1, where cars rely on downforce to maintain speed through corners.
Porsche
"...the same way if you like sport cars you would love to have a Porsche, a Lotus, a Ferrari..."
Porsche is a famous car brand that makes fast and stylish sports cars. Many people dream of owning one because they are known for their performance and design.
Porsche is a renowned German sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles, particularly the iconic Porsche 911. The brand is synonymous with luxury, speed, and engineering excellence.
Lotus
"...the same way if you like sport cars you would love to have a Porsche, a Lotus, a Ferrari..."
Lotus is a car brand that makes lightweight and fast sports cars. They are known for being very fun to drive, especially on race tracks.
Lotus is a British automotive company known for its lightweight sports cars and innovative engineering. The brand emphasizes performance and handling, often focusing on track-oriented vehicles.
Ferrari
"...the same way if you like sport cars you would love to have a Porsche, a Lotus, a Ferrari..."
Ferrari is another famous car brand that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are known for their racing heritage and stylish designs.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, particularly Formula 1. The brand represents speed, luxury, and exclusivity.
aerodynamics
"...when you have to touch aerodynamics and things, of course you open up a world of possibilities. But then when you race, drivers have to manage tires..."
Aerodynamics is how air flows around cars. In racing, making a car more aerodynamic helps it go faster and handle better by cutting down on air resistance.
Aerodynamics refers to the way air moves around objects, particularly vehicles. In racing, optimizing aerodynamics can significantly improve a car's speed and handling by reducing drag and increasing downforce.
energy management
"...this is a given for any category. But then he has the energy management which is a level of complexity that no other motorsport has."
Energy management is about how drivers use fuel or battery power during a race. It helps them go faster while making sure they don't run out of energy before the race ends.
Energy management in motorsport involves controlling the use of energy resources, such as fuel or battery power, to maximize performance over the duration of a race. This is especially critical in electric or hybrid racing categories.
energy deployment
"So it is a moving target between the optimal relationship between regenerating and deploying energy, which is a level of complexity that no other motorsport has."
Energy deployment is about how drivers use the energy stored in their cars. They have to decide the best times to use that energy to go faster without running out too soon.
Energy deployment refers to how and when a driver uses the energy available in the car, especially in electric or hybrid racing. It involves strategic decisions to maximize speed while managing energy levels throughout the race.
vehicle efficiency
"So also the decision when to use it is very strategic and dictated by the vehicle efficiency. And all cars finish the race with zero bashing."
Vehicle efficiency is about how well a car uses its energy. In racing, it's important to use energy wisely so the car can go faster without wasting power.
Vehicle efficiency refers to how effectively a vehicle uses energy, often measured in terms of fuel consumption or energy usage relative to distance traveled. In racing, maintaining high efficiency is crucial for maximizing performance while minimizing energy waste.
combustion engine
"When you develop a combustion engine, we were discussing about it before, when you develop a combustion engine, the window of the power delivery is very narrow."
A combustion engine is a type of engine that makes power by burning fuel like gasoline. It works by creating small explosions inside the engine that move parts to make the car go.
A combustion engine is an engine that generates power by burning fuel, typically gasoline or diesel, within a combustion chamber. This process creates a series of controlled explosions that push pistons, ultimately turning the vehicle's wheels.
electric motor
"So, whilst an electric motor, you could use the same electric motor for a sport car or for a city car. The only limitation could be business limitation."
An electric motor is a part that uses electricity to create movement. It's different from a combustion engine because it can start providing power right away and is often used in electric cars.
An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, allowing for smooth and efficient power delivery. Unlike combustion engines, electric motors can provide instant torque and are often used in electric vehicles for their flexibility and efficiency.
E-Power
"this doesn't mean only electric vehicles, also E-Power, our hybrid technology, because it's all about the electric part of the power train and the all wheel drive management."
E-Power is a type of hybrid system where the car uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The gas engine helps charge the battery, which then powers the electric motor that drives the car, making it feel more like an electric vehicle.
E-Power is a hybrid technology developed by Nissan that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. Unlike traditional hybrids, the gasoline engine does not directly drive the wheels; instead, it charges the battery that powers the electric motor, providing a unique driving experience with electric-like performance.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.