Future NASCAR Race Cars Will Probably Look Something Like This
Just in case you didn’t know, NASCAR plans to reduce its carbon footprint to zero across its core operations by 2035. Whether that’s realistic or not, the future of the sport inevitably involves electrification.
With that in mind, NASCAR and ABB together revealed a new EV prototype at the Chicago Street Race this past weekend. It actually marked the start of an Electrification Innovation Partnership between NASCAR and the global company that specializes in electrification and automation.
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Developed in collaboration with Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota, the car has a generic Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) body that’s made of sustainable flax-based composite and sits on a modified Next Gen chassis. The front grille is completely closed, while a massive wing is mounted in the rear. The entire rear bumper, right down to the diffuser, was designed to optimize aerodynamic performance.
The steering, suspension, brakes and wheels all derive from the NASCAR Cup Series car. Special Goodyear Racing Eagle tires and a regenerative braking system are included, as well.
Now, what’s the thing that replaces the 5.8-litre V8 under the hood? Well, this particular EV prototype features not one, not two, but three STARD UHP electric motors (including one in the front and two in the rear) that combine to generate up to 1,000 kW, or the equivalent of 1,341 horsepower. The motors are identical to the ones that powered the winning Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck at the Pikes Peak hill climb in Colorado last month. They’re fed by 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery.
So, when will we see electric race cars like this one on the track? It appears no timetable has been set just yet. NASCAR executives said they are still “committed to the historic role of the combustion engine in racing.”
With the ABB partnership and more initiatives, NASCAR will focus on near-term sustainability priorities, including sourcing 100% renewable electricity at owned race tracks and facilities by 2028, expanding waste diversion efforts and adding more on-site EV charging stations. Because as we all know, NASCAR fans and employees are big adopters of EVs…