NASCAR introduces electric vehicle prototype

NASCAR and ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, have joined forces to promote electrification in motorsport. ABB becomes the first official partner of NASCAR IMPACT, a platform that aims to strengthen communities and contribute to a healthier planet. Ralph Donati, Executive Vice President of ABB, emphasized that this collaboration aims to optimize and decarbonize NASCAR's operations through electrification technology.

The new electric vehicle prototype was developed in collaboration with NASCAR's OEM partners: Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. Equipped with three STARD UHP six-phase motors and a 78 kWh liquid-cooled battery, the vehicle can produce 1,000 kW of peak power. This prototype incorporates a regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy into electricity, optimizing its performance on road courses and short ovals.

The car, built with a modified Next Gen chassis and components from the NASCAR Cup Series, demonstrates the joint effort between NASCAR and its partners to modernize and make their vehicles more sustainable. Additionally, ABB will provide support and equipment to help NASCAR achieve its sustainability goals, including reducing operational emissions and using renewable electricity at its facilities.

Future of the Electric Prototype

The NASCAR electric prototype will be used in future tests and demonstrations on various types of tracks, including road courses and short ovals. These trials will allow evaluation of its performance in different racing conditions and optimization of its technology. Currently, it will not participate in official races, as its main function is to serve as a test and development platform.

In the long term, NASCAR plans to integrate electric technology into its racing series, aiming for net-zero emissions operations by 2035. This includes continuous development with ABB and automakers to refine the technology and its progressive incorporation into official competitions, starting with minor series and eventually into the main NASCAR series.