In a surprising move, NASCAR has unveiled a prototype electric race car.
If this seems a tad unexpected for the world of stock car racing, you’re not alone. However, this is all part of NASCAR’s ambitious strategy to attain net-zero operating emissions by 2035. Their goal is to make their operations completely carbon-neutral in just over a decade.
The sports company that was birthed by outlaws running from the law is going green.
So, what’s unique about this new car? It’s not merely an electric vehicle. This electrified stock car can generate a staggering 1,341 horsepower at peak power and is equipped with a regenerative braking system, converting the energy from braking back into electrical power.
This development results from NASCAR’s collaboration with ABB, a renowned name in electrification and automation. The prototype was revealed just a day before NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race. The car, aptly named the “ABB NASCAR EV Prototype,” was created in conjunction with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.
“ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, and we help customers globally to optimize, electrify and decarbonize their operations,” ABB Executive Vice President Ralph Donati said.
“The objective of the collaboration between NASCAR, ABB in the United States and the NASCAR industry is to push the boundaries of electrification technology, from EV racing to long-haul transportation to facility operations.”
However, racing enthusiasts (you know, the people who actually watch the sport) are not happy.
NASCAR is reaching for 1 percent of fans and abandoning 70 percent of their fan base, this will kill the sport. The marketing directors need to really evaluate doing this.
— Patrick S (@Patrickichi) July 6, 2024
“The combustion engine is our core product, and that will remain so for the coming future,” said Riley Nelson, NASCAR’s head of sustainability.
“Some passionate NASCAR fans will, no doubt, reject the very idea of electric racing, said John Probst, NASCAR’s senior vice president of racing development. “That’s why NASCAR wants to make it very clear that gasoline-burning race cars are in no immediate danger of extinction.”
The biggest question I have is that electric cars are heavier than most and have presented firefighters with challenges when they are involved in accidents, especially if there is some sort of fire. So what happens when a few of these cars wreck at Daytona going 190 mph?
Has anybody tested that yet?
