The Nissan ZEOD RC race car not only features a pair of electric motors producing 300 horsepower, but a separate internal combustion engine which produces an astonishing 400 horsepower from a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder, 40 kilogram (88 pound) powerplant.
The electric and gasoline systems drive the car through the same gearbox, which is located between the two. The internal combustion engine is placed right behind the fuel tank and battery at the rear of the tub, while the electric motors are located at the rear of the car.
Each has its own electrical system, which is activated by the driver: a 12 volt system for basic systems including lights and radio, and a separate 400 volt system used exclusively for the electric motors.
Jason Fenske from “Engineering Explained” tells us all about the ZEOD RC’s electrical systems and Zero Emissions on Demand (ZEOD) motors that are capable of making the car go at 300km per hour.
The Nissan ZEOD RC will compete at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours as the “Garage 56” entry, an additional slot on the grid reserved by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest for cars showcasing new and innovative technology. Nissan is using the ZEOD RC program as a development platform for its planned LM P1 class debut in 2015.
