NASCAR’s first electric race car debuted at the Chicago Street Race, sporting ABB colors and featuring an adjustable powertrain with up to 1000 kW (1340 hp) of peak power.
NASCAR calls its sustainability efforts “NASCAR Impact” and with the (somewhat delayed) launch of the all-electric racing prototype, ABB becomes Impact’s first official partner. The sanctioning framework hopes that the electric race car will generate conversations that lead to more sustainable policies. communities and contribute to a healthier planet.
“There is perhaps no better time to announce our first Impact Partner than in conjunction with the debut of the ABB NASCAR EV prototype at the Chicago Street Race,” said Eric Nyquist, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. “ABB is an industry leader and will contribute to efforts to decarbonize our operations as we seek to achieve net-zero operating emissions over the next decade. “
The car itself evolved in collaboration with NASCAR’s OEM partners Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota, and was built by the same engineers responsible for the Next Gen car and the Garage 56 that raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last summer. The sanctioning framework worked with each OEM to make sure that the final shape didn’t give merit to either and, if the public responds well to a frame shape that can be self-adhesive to look like the Mustang Mach-E, Chev Blazer SS, or Toyota bZ4X, perhaps it looks like a Chrysler Airflow as well, a Kia EV6 or a VW ID. 4.
And that would possibly be the point, especially if NASCAR has ambitions to grow the logo and attract new brands to the series.
The electric race car features a tubular all-wheel drive chassis powered by 3 UHP STARD 6-stage motors (one in the front and two in the rear) that send power to 4 Goodyear Racing Eagle tires specifically designed for the extra weight and monster torque.
A liquid-cooled 78 kWh battery supplies the electrons, and the adjustable power train can produce up to 1000 kW of peak force (that’s over 1300 hp for you and me). Regenerative braking converts kinetic force into force, which NASCAR says is helping to make the new race car “ideal” for street circuits and short oval tracks.
The car’s structure is made of a durable and recyclable linen-based composite. The only user to have driven it this way is semi-retired NASCAR driver David Ragan, who is expected to take the car to the track on Sunday.
NASCAR says it’s serious about making operations across its business more sustainable, and that moving its operations from Scope 1 (fuel burned) to Scope 2 (electric) is a critique of NASCAR’s sustainability strategy.
I’m excited to see more electric cars in motorsports. The climb up the hill of Pikes Peak now belongs to electric cars. The climb up the Goodwood hill next week will probably be the same. Today, there are at least 3 commercially available electric cars that you can buy that are too fast for NHRA endurance racing without modifications or special equipment. Formula E simply helps to keep improving. All major European sports car brands are marketing electric cars or will do so soon. All great!
But NASCAR? I just don’t see it. Leaving aside the many enthusiasts who come for the noise and crashes, running at or near 200 mph for hours afterward just isn’t an EV-type thing. I don’t even think hybrid education can be viable at a NASCAR oval track event.
The company says it will begin sourcing 100% renewable electrical power from all of its racetracks and facilities through 2028, and will conduct increased waste diversion efforts and on-site EV charging stations (donuts will also be provided through ABB). ).
Ultimately, though, the most productive thing NASCAR can do here is become an idea leader, pushing some of the newer users to electrify one or two new cars faster than they would otherwise. If the new electric NSACAR proves to be fast, possibly that’s exactly what it will be.
SOURCE | IMAGES: NASCAR, ABB.
I’ve been working in and around the automotive industry since the 90’s and have written for several well-known media outlets such as CleanTechnica, The Truth About Cars, Popular Mechanics, and more. You can see me on The Heavy Equipment Podcast with Mike. Switzer, on the AutoHub Show with Ian and Jeff, or chasing my kids around Oak Park, Illinois.