Pininfarina Begins Testing Battista Electric Hypercar

Testing of the Automobili Pininfarina Battista electric hypercar has got underway, with former Formula E driver Nick Heidfeld serving as development driver.

The car’s development is headed by Pininfarina’s sportscar director Rene Wollmann, who previously worked at Mercedes-AMG.

Its upcoming development program will take place over the course of 2020 ahead of initial deliveries at the end of the year.

Heidfeld previously competed for Mahindra Racing in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, and already had a link with Pininfarina due to the company’s close ties with the Indian race team.

“The mule vehicles running the chassis and powertrain concepts for Battista have already achieved 80 per cent of their performance capability without issue,” commented Wollmann.

“This means that our EV performance is already equal to the most powerful combustion engine-powered hypercar currently in the world.

“And in the simulation and wind tunnel testing phase, by fine tuning the aero packaging, we’ve already seen a significant increase in the potential range of Battista versus our original prediction.

“In the next six months we will progress to delivering a thrilling pure-electric hypercar that seamlessly produces 1,900 hp and 2,300 Nm torque across a range of driving modes to suit varying environments.

“Our clients cannot wait to experience this performance alongside Nick Heidfeld.”

Pininfarina’s design team has created a unique livery for Battista prototypes, led by chief design officer Luca Borgogno.

The Battista will have a world premiere at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show, celebrating Pininfarina’s 90th anniversary.

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.