NASCAR unveils prototype electric vehicle capable of over 1,000 HP
CHICAGO — NASCAR unveiled a prototype of an all-wheel drive electric vehicle capable of producing over 1,000 horsepower.
The prototype has been in the works over the last year. NASCAR was going to showcase it during the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum in early February. Then, inclement weather eliminated a day of on-track activities and the showcase.
According to NASCAR, the three OEM partners — Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota — developed the prototype. NASCAR engineers, responsible first for the Next Gen/Gen 7 car and the Garage 56 entry, built it. NASCAR and the OEMs also collaborated on the design and elements of the vehicle.
The body is based on the crossover vehicles seen on the road today. Of note, the crossover market is the top-selling vehicle segment in the U.S. The body sits on a modified Next Gen chassis while the steering, suspension, brakes and wheels all derive from the current NASCAR Cup Series car.
NASCAR says the prototype has three STARD UHP 6-Phase motors, with one in the front and two in the rear. The motors supply power directly to all four tires, making it an all-wheel drive car. Combined with a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery, the tunable powertrain can produce 1,000 kW at peak power.
When converted to horsepower, that is around 1,341 HP.
According to NASCAR, the regenerative braking converts kinetic energy into power. They say that makes the car ideal for road courses and short oval tracks.
NASCAR emphasized their commitment to “the historic role of the combustion engine in racing.” However, they’re setting 2035 as a target date for decarbonizing its core operations and reducing its carbon footprint to zero — with electrification as a focal point.
“ABB helps customers globally to optimize, electrify and decarbonize their operations,” said Ralph Donati, ABB Executive Vice President. “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.”
ABB will also help NASCAR achieve public sustainability targets. That’s regarding electrification and EV charging.
ABB is a founding partner of NASCAR IMPACT. NASCAR IMPACT is an umbrella platform launched to spearhead sustainability, community engagement, and other social initiatives.
NASCAR says they plan to source “100% renewable electricity at owned racetracks and facilities by 2028.” They also plan to expand waste diversion efforts and on-site EV charging stations.
The 2024 NASCAR season continues in Chicago this weekend.
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Jonathan Fjeld View All
Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.
A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.
Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick's final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen's stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers' stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.
Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com