The Nissan ZEOD RC smashed 300km/h on the Mulsanne Straight while qualifying for the Le Mans 24 Hours, the highest speed by an electric vehicle at Le Mans.
The vehicle features a dual electric/internal combustion engine powertrain, with a pair of 110kW electric motors and 40kg, 400 horsepower 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo engine. The ZEOD (zero emissions on demand) allows the driver to switch back and forth between the two power sources.
Satoshi Motoyama reached the record speed on his electric run, which was also his first in the car.
“I drove ZEOD at Le Mans for the first time and instantly we were able to reach our target to run at more than 300km/h with electric power only,” Motoyama said.
“I was so surprised with the speed and power of electricity and it felt great. In yesterday's session we had some trouble with the gearbox in the first session then we had a heap of red flag periods and I didn't get the chance to get into the car.
“But the guys on the team did a great job to fix the car and I was able to get started tonight right at the green flag. Our first target of the top speed of 300km/h with elecric power is done and I think that was a really good first step.”
The next goal was to make a full 8.5 mile lap running on pure electric power, which GT Academy winner Wolfgang Reip achieved. He was able to complete five laps aboard the ZEOD RC, before losing drive at the 23 minute mark. Suspected gearbox issues caused early retirement.
Watch the world's first ever electric lap at Le Mans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpku_34HC88