As part of a new attempt to lower the organization’s emissions and electrify certain components of the sport, NASCAR showcased a prototype electric race car on Saturday.
Though it appears to go against the traditions of stock car racing, the project is an important step toward sustainability and supports NASCAR’s long-term objective of achieving net zero operating emissions by 2035.
The vehicle had its public premiere the day before NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race, in collaboration with the automation and electrification business ABB.
Developed in partnership with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, the “ABB NASCAR EV Prototype” is an electrified stock car with a maximum power output of 1,000 kW, or 1341 horsepower. The race car features a regenerative braking system, which transforms kinetic energy from braking into electrical power, just like the majority of current hybrid or fully electric cars.
Officials from ABB stated that the broader energy shift occurring in the US is closely related to NASCAR’s intentions to decarbonize its operations and lower its carbon footprint.
According to Chris Shigas, head of communications for ABB in the United States, “This cooperation provides us with a forum to discuss the problems facing our nation and the path we are all taking together.”
Although the project may look into opportunities related to high-performance electric racing, officials stated that there are no intentions to do away with combustion engines in stock car racing.
Additionally, both groups will seek to determine whether elements of NASCAR races, specific office and racetrack operations, and long-distance transportation may be electrified.
“Everything about their business will be examined, including their long-haul trucking, golf carts that travel around the tracks, and EV charging,” Shigas stated. “There is potential for this multi-year partnership to truly become a showcase of how businesses across the United States, as well as NASCAR, can make their operations more sustainable.”
NASCAR declared last year that it would strive for net zero operating emissions by 2035. It included creating a sustainable racing fuel, increasing the number of on-site EV charging stations, and giving priority to 100% renewable electricity at owned racetracks and NASCAR facilities.
The association between NASCAR and ABB, according to a statement from Senior Vice President Eric Nyquist, “will support our efforts to achieve net-zero operating emissions over the next ten years by helping to decarbonize our operations.”