NextEV competed in Formula E electric racing series utilizing spec Michelin tires provided to all teams, with their SRT_01E racing car incorporating advanced electric powertrain technology delivering 180 kW maximum race performance in 888 kg chassis configuration powered by 28 kWh usable battery capacity. Formula E racing represents unique tire development challenges combining instant electric torque delivery with regenerative braking systems, requiring specialized tire compounds and construction techniques managing these distinct performance characteristics while maintaining consistent grip throughout race distances. NextEV evolved into NIO brand with the NIO EP9 electric sports car showcasing NextEV powertrain technologies, though tire specifications for these applications remained specialized racing development beyond consumer tire market. For season three competition, NextEV utilized NextEV 700R powertrain featuring twin-engine solution with two pancake motors eliminating transmission requirements, demonstrating the advanced engineering characterizing their Formula E participation and subsequent performance vehicle development programs.
Formula E tire specifications represent highly specialized development programs addressing unique challenges of electric racing including instant torque delivery, regenerative braking forces, and battery management strategies affecting tire loading throughout race distances. Michelin serves as official Formula E tire supplier providing spec tire configurations to all competing teams, ensuring competitive parity while advancing electric vehicle tire technology through professional motorsport development. These specialized racing tires incorporate compound formulations and construction techniques managing the distinct performance characteristics of electric powertrains, with development insights informing consumer electric vehicle tire engineering programs. NextEV's Formula E participation contributed to broader understanding of electric vehicle tire requirements, with their racing programs informing subsequent NIO performance vehicle development and consumer electric vehicle tire specifications. The transition from NextEV racing operations to NIO consumer vehicle programs demonstrates how professional motorsport tire development influences broader electric vehicle tire engineering, with lessons learned during Formula E competition informing tire specifications for performance-oriented electric vehicles requiring specialized compound formulations managing instant torque delivery and regenerative braking systems while maintaining the performance characteristics expected from premium electric performance vehicles.
