Will Shell and Nissanās Formula E Partnership Transform EVs?
Shell and the Nissan Formula E Team have renewed their technical partnership for the FIA Formula E World Championship, doubling down on the role competitive racing plays in shaping next-generation EV technology.
At the centre of this collaboration is a shared focus on eFluids — specially engineered lubricants that do more than just keep motors turning. These are performance liquids built to handle the extreme heat, pressure and speed of electric-powered race cars, and they’re shaping the way EVs perform both on the track and on the road.
The two companies are building on several seasons of innovation, specifically around Shell’s EV-Plus E-Transmission and E-Thermal fluids. Used during Seasons 11 and 12, these advanced fluids are tuned for Formula E’s tight, high-speed urban circuits where thermal efficiency and drivetrain reliability are the difference between podiums and DNFs.
Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director and Team Principal at Nissan Formula E Team, captures the value of the partnership: “We’re very proud to be continuing our technical collaboration with Shell. Our work together on the eFluids for the car in recent years has contributed to improve our performance, and we look to build on this even further.
“By integrating Shell’s cutting-edge lubricant technology with Nissan’s leading innovation in Formula E, we are accelerating a future where high-performance engineering and sustainability drive hand in hand. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with Shell to unlock the full potential of our Nissan Formula E powertrains, ensure peak performance and pave the way for smarter, cleaner mobility solutions worldwide.”
The science of eFluids: pushing EV performance forward
EV race cars generate immense amounts of heat, especially during regenerative braking and sustained high power output. Managing that thermal load is key to maintaining efficiency and avoiding system degradation — and that’s where Shell’s EV-Plus fluids step in.
They are purpose-built fluids for cooling, thermal stability and low-viscosity performance in electric drivetrains. Each iteration is tested under the extreme conditions of Formula E, and what’s learned in the garage filters directly into the road car sector.
That transfer of knowledge is central to Shell’s broader energy ambitions.
Aysun Akik, Shell Lubricants’ Vice President of New Business Development and Global Key Accounts, says: “We are proud to renew our partnership with Nissan Formula E Team as its strategic technical partner and exclusive supplier of lubricants. This technical partnership with Nissan Formula E Team is a testament to Shell's commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance. This partnership embodies our shared commitment to decarbonisation and pushes the limit of efficiency, reliability and sustainability.
“The development of our Shell EV-Plus Fluids has been driven by the extreme demands of Formula E, allowing us to innovate and deliver cutting-edge lubricant technology that enhances both on-track performance and the development of electrified mobility solutions for the road.”
Motorsport as a testbed for future mobility
The Nissan Formula E Team continues to be a cornerstone of the series, standing as the first and only Japanese manufacturer to commit to the all-electric grid.
Since its debut in Season 5, the team has used the platform to trial hardware and software under race-day pressure – with learnings that directly support Nissan’s ‘Ambition 2030’ strategy and its long-term electrification roadmap.
Looking ahead, Nissan has already confirmed its place in the upcoming GEN4 era of Formula E (2026–2030), reaffirming that the track will remain a proving ground for both innovation and sustainability.
Shell sees the race circuit as more than a stage for sponsorship. It’s a real-time research lab.
“Our partnership with the Nissan Formula E Team is a significant milestone in our journey to deliver exceptional results,” says Tom Kassell, Shell’s Motorsports Partnership Lead. “By pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence, we are committed to developing top-tier products that will shape the future of racing and mobility. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to achieving superior performance and sustainability in the world of electric vehicle racing."
Formula E is proving that electric power doesn't mean sacrificing excitement or speed — and behind the scenes, technical collaborations like this one are making sure the energy driving that excitement is efficient, resilient and ready for the road ahead.
