Japanese carmaker Nissan has introduced the new ZEOD electric prototype race car, which is claimed to be world's fastest electric racing car, reaching speeds of over 300km/h with electric technology.
The new Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car (ZEOD) prototype project is being led by Nissan Motorsports director of Ben Bowlby, and directed with input from engineers at Japan, Europe and the US.
Nissan Motor executive committee member and executive vice president Andy Palmer said that the new ZEOD RC is a natural progression that follows on from the development of the Nissan LEAF road car and the LEAF RC race car prototype.
"The technologies developed through the program will form part of future innovations for road cars," Palmer said.
"The program is designed to develop multiple technologies to evaluate how they could be used for a future LM P1 class return of Nissan at Le Mans."
Powered by the same lithium ion battery technology as the Nissan Leaf electric car, the new ZEOD prototype will be tested with various types and combinations of electric motors and gasoline engines over the next 12 months starting winter 2013.
"We are investigating multiple options," Palmer said.
"A Zero Emission on Demand option where the driver can switch between electric and petrol-powered drive is a future direction for road cars, so that will be tested in addition to pure electric power and other new technologies."
The Japanese carmaker is planning to collaborate with French tyre manufacturer Michelin to design exclusive tyres for the new hybrid prototype.
The new prototype is being developed to debut the original version at 2014 Le Mans 24 Hour racing event.
