American automobile racing company NASCAR kicked off its sustainability efforts, dubbed “NASCAR Impact,” which involved the introduction of electric vehicles in high-performance racing.
NASCAR, ABB partner with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota
NASCAR and electrification firm ABB have partnered with major automakers such as Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota to develop and introduce a competitive electric performance car.
This electric stock car features an all-wheel drive tubular chassis powered by three STARD UHP 6-Phase motors.
It sports a 78 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack and yields a maximum output of 1,000 kW. In addition, it accelerates twofold faster than a typical stock car. Impressively, the car’s combined regen and friction braking also beats internal combustion engine-powered cars.
As for the body, NASCAR and its partners developed the prototype with sustainable, recyclable, flax-based composite.
Veteran driver describes the electric race car as “wild”
The electric NASCAR officially appeared at the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday morning.
Veteran driver David Ragan drove the electric car at the Chicago Street Race. As expected, many electric car enthusiasts and media outlets took footage of the new race car in action, including @MrGoElectric on X.
Popular race car driver Ragan shared his experience with the media, emphasizing that hearing tires squeal and smelling the brakes around the curb was “really wild.”
While this new electric stock car is way quieter than most NASCAR vehicles, it is still far from silent. It does not create the deep rumble of ICE-powered cars. However, it produces thrilling electronic hum sounds that the crowd loves.
NASCAR gauges fan reaction to electric prototype
The NASCAR Impact initiative not only aims to show off the potential of electric cars in racing but also to attract fans’ interest in this emerging segment of high-performance electric vehicles.
While electric race cars are a cool idea, they probably would not replace conventional NASCAR races just yet.
In fact, electric cars would likely have their own separate racing series. This electric prototype is actually part of a bigger plan by NASCAR to make their races more eco-friendly.
For context, NASCAR aims to have zero net emissions from their operations by 2035. To achieve this target, it plans to start employing 100% renewable energy at all its race tracks and facilities by 2028.
