A Demio EV has, for the first time, taken part in a JEVRA (Japan Electric Vehicle Race Association) race, held at Sodegaura Forest Raceway in Chiba, east of the Japanese capital. The car ran the full distance in the April 14 event.

The participating Demio EV contested Class 2, the main battleground for the Nissan Leaf, of which two versions compete, the earlier iteration for two seasons already. While there was a close-fought battle at the front among both the mildly modified newer Leaf entries and the older versions, there was also room for the newcomer to take part.

The best time recorded by the Nissan Leaf at Sodegaura is between 1:24 and 1:25. Aiming at that mark, each team was employing a trial-and-error method.

Learning to reduce speed sufficiently for turn 4 and the hairpin is important here. Also, some of the cars are equipped with around 20kg springs. As for tyres, S-tyres or properly used high-grip radials, depending on the situation, all contribute hugely to whether one wins or loses. Despite this, in its first appearance, the completely standard Demio's performance was impressive. Considering the standard height of the vehicle, it performed excellently. It was however, undeniably unstable in some points of the corners. Driver Kiyoshi Komoda: “The corners are tight, so it's difficult for a normal-spec. Demio to turn. I think I'll do well adopting a wait-and-see stance this time. Reaching the finish is our target.”

Immediately after the start of the race, the Demio EV maintained the same high pace as in qualifying and passed the newer-spec Leaf at turn one. That was the highlight of the race for the Demio. However, after that, it allowed the Leaf back past on lap 5. Although it managed to hang on for a while, the Leaf gradually pulled away before battery power decreased and the Demio's pace dropped off. The Demio ran in safety mode in the closing stages and it crossed the line running slowly.

Komoda relayed that the car ran at a pace much quicker than had been expected prior to the race, and it took everything the car had to save enough as the batteries lacked the necessary residual power to get to the finish. Looking toward the next round, the strategy may have to be adjusted; in particular, making sure there's less of a burden on the batteries and the motor. With that in mind, on the vehicle side, the car's ride height should be lowered. Here's hoping for the best next time out!