Today, NASCAR unveiled a new electric-powered stock car prototype at the Chicago Street Race as part of a presentation about its sustainability initiatives, for which it has a new partner in Swedish electrification firm ABB. The car, which looks more like a high-performance crossover like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, is in many ways a complete departure from the traditional stock car. However, don’t expect ABB’s NASCAR EV prototype to replace the internal combustion V8 anytime soon.
NASCAR says the car has three electric motors, one in the front and two in the rear, powered by a 78 kWh liquid-cooled battery that can generate 1,000 kW “at full power.” According to today's announcement.
NASCAR writes that the EV sits on a modified version of the Next Gen chassis that NASCAR introduced in 2022, which was designed with a view to the transition to alternative fuelsChevrolet, Ford and Toyota helped in its development, the organization writes.
Prior to its unveiling, the $1.5 million prototype had only been driven by NASCAR driver David Ragan, reported The Associated Press. Ragan told the outlet that his fastest lap at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia was “two-tenths of a second slower” than a typical racer, despite having nearly twice the acceleration. Unsurprisingly, weight was a major factor, as it slowed him down in the corners.
Traditional production cars aren't taking their final left turn, although there are rumors that they will. We will introduce hybrids in a few yearsStill, it could do something similar to the all-electric Formula E series sponsored by ABB; NASCAR says it “may explore possibilities around high-performance racing.” according NBC News.
