# Nissan Leaf NISMO Racecar Unleashes EV Performance Power

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/03/nissan-leaf-nismo-racecar-unleashes-ev-performance-power/
- Published: 2013-03-08T21:39:52-05:00
- Author: greenguruguides

## Get Ready for the Nissan LEAF NISMO Racecar—Electric Speed Meets Racing Edge

In a bold fusion of performance and sustainability, Nissan unveiled a head-turning
electric race car: the LEAF NISMO RC. Built on the same all-electric platform as
the production Nissan LEAF, this high-performance machine proved that clean can 
also be fast.

While the original LEAF made headlines for its zero-emission commuting, the NISMO
RC version took things to the track—with aggressive styling, lightweight construction,
and serious motorsport ambitions.

### From Commuter to Contender

The LEAF NISMO RC (Racing Competition) features a carbon-fiber monocoque body, rear-
wheel drive, and a 107-horsepower electric motor powered by a [lithium-ion battery](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/12/new-york-starts-first-large-scale-lithium-ion-battery-production/)
pack. Even though it shares its DNA with the road-going LEAF, this version is completely
reimagined.

![Nissan leaf nismo rc electric race car driving on a racetrack with bold electric
racing gets real text overlay](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2013/03/6D28D4A9-31AA-4CF3-AFCD-D02FB17BF067.png?resize=780%2C520&quality=50&ssl
=1 "6D28D4A9-31AA-4CF3-AFCD-D02FB17BF067 - The Green Living Guy")

The [Nissan Leaf NISMO](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-electric-race-car-gone-ces-2019/)
RC redefines EV performance with aggressive styling rear wheel drive and track tuned
dynamics

It’s 40% lighter than the original LEAF. It also sits closer to the ground and is
nearly seven inches wider. With a dramatic rear wing and track-ready suspension,
the car is designed to push electric performance to its limits.

### Track-Tested, Future-Approved

The NISMO RC isn’t just a concept—it’s a working prototype that Nissan used for 
demos and racing events to promote its electric innovation. During testing, the 
car reached 0–60 mph in under 7 seconds, a feat that shocked skeptics who saw EVs
as slow and unexciting.

Even better, the LEAF NISMO RC was part of Nissan’s broader effort to show how electric
vehicles could thrive beyond the city and into competitive motorsport.

### Nissan Leaf NISMO Racecar: Design Built for Speed and Efficiency

Engineers positioned the electric motor and inverter behind the driver, with the
battery mid-ship for optimal weight distribution. This layout enhances agility and
acceleration while maintaining balance through tight corners.

Additionally, the aerodynamic profile reduces drag while increasing downforce. That
ensures better grip and control at high speeds—all without a drop of gasoline.

### Why It Matters

Nissan built the LEAF NISMO RC to shatter stereotypes about EVs. At the time, most
electric cars were seen as slow, quiet, and practical—but far from thrilling. With
the RC, Nissan proved that electric performance isn’t just possible—[it’s powerful](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/05/gumball-3000-the-future-of-electric-rally-racing/).

This model inspired Nissan’s continued EV development, including faster versions
of the LEAF, performance-minded Ariya variants, and next-gen electric concepts.

### Sources:

 1. Nissan Newsroom – Nissan Unveils All-Electric Leaf NISMO RC
     [https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/nissan-unveils-electric-race-car](https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/nissan-unveils-electric-race-car)
 2. Road & Track – Nissan’s New Electric Race Car Looks Super Sinister
     [https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a25357357/nissans-leaf-nismo-rc-photos-info](https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a25357357/nissans-leaf-nismo-rc-photos-info)
 3. Car and Driver –
     [https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a25412868/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-electric-race-car-photos-info](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a25412868/nissan-leaf-nismo-rc-electric-race-car-photos-info)

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 greenguruguides

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman, is recognized as a green living guru and electric
car expert. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the 
green guru guides, green business and electric vehicles.

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