NASCAR unveiled a cutting-edge EV prototype stock car at the Chicago Street Race today as part of its sustainability initiatives with new partner ABB, a Swedish electrification firm. The sleek car, resembling a performance crossover like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, marks a significant departure from traditional stock car designs. Despite its innovative features, the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype is not expected to replace the V8 fuel-burning engines anytime soon.
According to NASCAR, the EV is equipped with three electric motors – one in the front and two in the back – powered by a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery capable of generating 1,000kW at peak power. The car is built on a modified version of the Next Gen chassis introduced in 2022, which was specifically designed for a smooth transition to alternative fuels. Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota collaborated on the development of this groundbreaking vehicle.
Prior to its debut, NASCAR driver David Ragan test-drove the $1.5 million prototype at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. Despite its impressive acceleration, Ragan noted that the car’s weight posed a challenge, causing him to lag behind in turns. The Associated Press reported that his fastest lap was only two-tenths of a second slower than usual.
While traditional stock cars are not phasing out entirely, there are speculations about introducing hybrids in the coming years. NASCAR may take a page from the ABB-sponsored Formula E series and explore high-performance racing options, as mentioned in NBC News. The future of NASCAR racing is undoubtedly moving towards a more sustainable and electrifying direction.
