Transforming Mobility Through Innovation
Innovation is the driving force behind progress, and nowhere is this more evident than in Formula E. As a proud sponsor of Nissan Formula E Team, Electromin shares this commitment to pushing boundaries—not just on the racetrack but in revolutionizing EV infrastructure and public transportation.
In this latest blog of our series, we explore the power of innovation—from cutting-edge advancements in Nissan Formula E Team to Electromin’s smart solutions for EV charging and electric Bus Rapid Transit (e-BRT) systems. Whether it’s maximizing race performance or transforming urban mobility, both Electromin and Nissan Formula E Team are shaping the future of sustainable transportation.
Formula E Regulations: Inspiring Continuous Reinvention
The rapid evolution of Formula E is fuelled by its regulatory structure, which demands continuous reinvention. With car updates introduced every two years and a whole new homologation every four, teams must constantly innovate to stay competitive. “Innovation is at the heart of motorsport,” says Théophile Gouzin, Technical Director of Nissan Formula E Team. “If you don’t innovate, you fall behind. Motorsport is a constant competition.”.
The need to evolve extends beyond immediate race performance. “Car development follows long-term cycles,” Gouzin explains. “We’re not obliged every two years to change the design of our powertrain, but if we want to stay ahead, we have to bring some upgrades. Development takes time—we have to plan a lot to go in the right direction, there are many areas you can improve, but it’s up to us to decide which domain will make us gain the most. And most of the time you cannot have your cake and eat it. It’s about finding the right compromises.”
This forward-thinking approach is aided by advanced simulation tools. “The GEN 4 car will debut in 18 months, but within a few weeks, we could have a model in our simulator to test potential solutions,” he reveals. “This allows us to plan ahead and make informed choices about which areas to optimize for maximum impact.”
Driving Innovation: Nissan Formula E Team’s Contributions to EV Technology
Nissan Formula E Team’s advancements focus on two key areas: hardware and software.
On the hardware side, the development of powertrain components—including the motor, gearbox, and inverter—plays a crucial role in performance. While these components may not transfer directly to consumer vehicles, the design philosophies behind them shape the future of everyday EVs.
Tadashi Nishikawa, Chief Powertrain Engineer of Nissan Formula E Team, emphasizes the connection between racing technology and commercial EV development: “We continuously exchange ideas with the Nissan Technology Center in Japan. My role is to bridge the philosophies of both teams, ensuring that what we learn on the track enhances our passenger vehicles and vice versa.”
Perhaps even more critical than hardware is software innovation. Each Formula E season sees up to 15 iterations of software, refining energy management and chassis control for specific race conditions. These refinements maximize regenerative braking efficiency, minimize wheel spin, and improve overall energy use.
“We are constantly evolving our software to improve car performance, efficiency, and energy management,” Gouzin explains. “For every race, we bring a new software version. But behind those, there are many iterations which are tested in our simulator to make sure that 100% of the functionality that we intend to implement is working in all the scenarios we have at the race.”
Software innovation is not just about refining existing technology but also selecting the right ideas to implement. “Every engineer has 10 ideas, so you must prioritize. Sometimes two engineers will have the same idea or are targeting the same area of improvement. You then have to assess which idea is best for the car. Out of three potential upgrades, only one or two are bringing performance.”
This constant refinement is what keeps Nissan Formula E Team competitive. “Even when we win, we find ways to improve,” Gouzin adds. “You can notice the strengths of a team when, once you win, you keep on winning. It means it’s not luck, but that you are able to keep the consistency and momentum to stay ahead of your competition.”
From the Track to the City: How Electromin Brings Innovation to Urban Mobility
The drive for efficiency that powers Nissan Formula E Team’s race cars also fuels Electromin’s mission to transform public transit. In Formula E, software and data-driven insights allow teams to optimize performance, making race cars faster and more efficient. In the urban landscape, Electromin applies the same principles to its electric Bus Rapid Transit (e-BRT) system—using real-time data, predictive analytics, and smart technology to enhance public transportation.
While Nissan Formula E Team pioneers high-performance EV technology on the track, Electromin is transforming public transit with its electric Bus Rapid Transit (e-BRT) system—a key initiative in decarbonizing urban transportation.
Both share a common goal: faster, smarter mobility powered by innovation. e-BRT moves passengers 60% faster than conventional public transport, thanks to a combination of dedicated bus lanes, transit priority systems, automated ticketing, and optimized platform designs. However, it’s the integration of intelligent software and data-driven decision-making that truly enhances the network, making it more efficient and responsive.
At the heart of Electromin’s e-BRT system is the Intelligent Transport System (ITS)—a sophisticated network that monitors and manages the entire fleet in real time. Through smart sensors and AI-powered analytics, the system continuously collects and processes data from buses, stations, depots, and passenger apps. This data is then analysed in the cloud using advanced algorithms, which proactively suggest optimizations to improve efficiency, safety, and passenger experience.
Ismail Bakarat, General Manager of Electromin’s e-BRT division, explains: “Innovation isn’t just about having electric buses—it’s about ensuring they operate at peak efficiency. Our Intelligent Transport System allows us to anticipate challenges before they happen, ensuring smooth, reliable, and optimized public transit.”
Key innovations include:
- Crowd Detection & Fleet Optimization – If the system detects a surge in passenger demand at a station, AI algorithms can suggest deploying reserve buses to prevent delays and overcrowding.
- Driver Monitoring & Safety Enhancements – The system tracks driver behaviour in real time, monitoring speed, traffic violations, and alertness. Any anomalies trigger immediate alerts to both the driver and Command Control Center, improving overall safety.
By integrating these intelligent tools, Electromin ensures that its e-BRT system is not only fast and reliable but also adaptable to real-time urban demands.
A Turnkey Solution for Sustainable Cities
Electromin’s approach to e-BRT extends far beyond infrastructure. “We provide a full turnkey solution for electric bus transportation, tailored to meet the specific needs of cities and high-density areas,” says Bakarat.
With buses that have a 300-kilometer range and in-route charging capabilities, Electromin’s e-BRT system seamlessly integrates into urban infrastructure, making it a practical and sustainable alternative to traditional public transport. This holistic approach—combining hardware innovation with intelligent software—positions Electromin as a leader in the future of sustainable transit.
Innovation That Drives the Future
Just as Nissan Formula E Team uses innovation to push the boundaries of racing technology, Electromin uses innovation to redefine urban mobility. Through its pioneering e-BRT system, Electromin is not only decarbonizing public transportation but also revolutionizing how cities move—faster, smarter, and more sustainably. Mark Notkin, CIO of Electromin sums it up best: “We’re not just offering transit solutions; we’re shaping the future of urban mobility.”
Stay tuned for our next blog, where we explore logistics and how Electromin supported Nissan Formula E Team with e-Mobility solutions upon their arrival in Jeddah, Electromin’s hometown.
Interested in learning more about our e-BRT solutions? Visit our webpage today.