NASCAR Unveils Groundbreaking Electric Race Car Prototype

NASCAR Unveils Groundbreaking Electric Race Car Prototype

In a significant step towards sustainable motorsports, NASCAR revealed a prototype electric race car with a crossover-like body on Saturday. This unveiling took place ahead of the NASCAR Chicago street race and marks NASCAR’s increased commitment to reducing emissions in the racing world.

Collaboration and Development

The EV prototype, crafted by NASCAR’s in-house engineers who previously designed the Next Gen car and the Garage 56 entry for the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, features input from participating automakers. This collaborative effort underscores the industry’s unified approach towards a greener future.

High-Performance Specifications

The all-wheel-drive electric prototype boasts impressive performance specs. It is powered by three motors from Austrian firm STARD, the same supplier for the Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck that triumphed at the 2024 Pikes Peak Hill Climb. These motors together generate a staggering 1,341 hp, drawing power from a 78-kWh battery pack.

Sustainable Design and Advanced Technology

The prototype’s body is made from a sustainable flax-based composite developed by Swiss startup Bcomp. This lightweight yet sturdy material sits atop a modified Next Gen chassis. The car features steering, suspension, wheels, and brakes sourced from the current NASCAR Cup Series car. However, the braking system has been upgraded to incorporate regenerative braking, which is especially suited for the shorter ovals and road courses increasingly featured on NASCAR’s schedule.

Bridging Tradition and Innovation

While modern NASCAR race cars are not fully stock anymore, they continue to carry road-car branding. This likely influenced the decision to design the EV prototype as a crossover. This design aligns with the current trend of electric crossovers, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Toyota bZ4X, and Chevrolet Blazer EV, being offered by NASCAR’s participating automakers.

Despite Chevrolet’s Camaro no longer being in production, it is still actively raced in the Cup Series. This move to a crossover-like race car could be beneficial for NASCAR as more automakers phase out coupes and sedans in favor of crossovers.

Future of Electric Racing in NASCAR

While there was no formal announcement regarding an electric series, the unveiling of this prototype hints at the possibility. A 2022 report had indicated that plans for a NASCAR electric series were in the works.

NASCAR reconfirmed its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. "While NASCAR is committed to the historic role of the combustion engine in racing," a NASCAR statement read, "it is also committed to decarbonizing its operations and reducing its own carbon footprint to zero across its core operations by 2035 through electrification and innovative solutions."

In conclusion, NASCAR’s new electric race car prototype is a bold step towards a sustainable future, blending innovative technology with the sport’s rich tradition. This initiative is expected to pave the way for further advancements in electric racing, promising an exciting evolution in the motorsports landscape.