Zane Maloney Takes Next Step With Nissan for Formula E’s GEN4 Era

Barbadian driver Zane Maloney will take the biggest step yet in his Formula E career after being confirmed alongside former World Champion Oliver Rowland at Nissan Formula E Team for the start of the GEN4 era in 2026/27.

Maloney arrives at the Japanese manufacturer following two seasons with Lola Yamaha ABT, where both he and the team’s Formula E project were finding their feet in the all-electric World Championship. The experience allowed the 22-year-old to develop in Formula E before earning an opportunity with a manufacturer that has already demonstrated its ability to fight at the front.

“I’m very excited to join Nissan Formula E Team. When I came into Formula E, the team was winning the championship with Oli, so it’s a great chance for me to now join a top manufacturer,” Maloney said.

“I’ve spent the last two seasons with a new team, developing my skills and trying to get the best results we could, so I’m really looking forward to taking this next step in my career.”

Maloney’s move comes with a significant change in expectations. His Formula E debut in 2024/25 coincided with Lola’s arrival in the championship, meaning his rookie campaign was also a learning year for the wider project.

Now, instead of developing alongside a new operation, the Barbadian joins an established manufacturer with championship-winning pedigree.

Nissan claimed the Drivers’ World Championship with Rowland in Season 11, and Maloney believes having the Brit on the other side of the garage could accelerate his own development.

“It’s also a great opportunity to be teammates with Oli. He’s a World Champion and someone I watched when I was growing up, first winning races in Formula 2 and then in Formula E, so to be alongside him and learn from him will be really valuable,” Maloney said.

The timing also gives Maloney something of a fresh start, with every team and driver facing a substantial technical reset when Formula E introduces GEN4 for Season 13.

The new cars represent a considerable performance increase over GEN3 machinery. Race power rises from 300kW to 450kW, while up to 600kW will be available in Attack Mode. Active All-Wheel Drive will also contribute to significantly greater acceleration and cornering performance.

“GEN4 is a big opportunity for everyone to develop quickly, and I’ll be doing everything I can to prepare well and hit the ground running from the first race,” Maloney added.

“A big thank you to Nissan Formula E Team for the trust in me. I’m really looking forward to getting started and achieving some very good results together.”

Nissan team principal Tommaso Volpe believes Maloney’s two seasons of Formula E experience, combined with the pace he demonstrated during his Formula 2 career, make the move a natural progression.

“Zane brings a different profile. He’s young but already has two seasons of Formula E experience, and we believe there is a lot more to come from him,” Volpe said.

“His results in Formula 2 showed the level of talent he has, and we see GEN4 as the perfect opportunity for him to build on those skills, making it a very fitting next step in his career.”

Before arriving in Formula E, Maloney established himself as one of Barbados’ leading international racing talents. Across the 2023 and 2024 Formula 2 seasons, he collected 11 podium finishes, including two victories, and finished fourth in the 2024 championship.

He will now share a garage with one of Formula E’s established front-runners.

Rowland will remain with Nissan for a fourth consecutive season and seventh campaign overall with the manufacturer. Since returning to Nissan for Season 10, the Brit has become Drivers’ World Champion and remained a regular contender at the front of the field.

“I’m looking forward to Zane joining the team, he’s had a great junior career and two years of experience in Formula E, which puts him in a good position to start Season 13 strongly,” Rowland said.

Maloney and Rowland will begin preparations for their first season together when Formula E’s GEN4 machinery takes to Circuito del Jarama in Spain for pre-season testing from 16-20 November.