NASCAR Unveils All-Electric Prototype Car with Sustainability Goals
Key Ideas
- NASCAR debuted an electric prototype car at the Chicago Street Course race, emphasizing sustainability and environmental consciousness.
- The EV prototype features an All-Wheel Drive system with a Crossover Utility Vehicle body made of sustainable materials and a powerful 1,000 kW powertrain.
- NASCAR has partnered with ABB to launch an "electrification innovation partnership" aimed at creating more sustainable racing practices and achieving a zero-carbon footprint by 2035.
- The sport is considering a transition to hydrogen-powered cars in the future to further reduce its carbon footprint, with Toyota already showcasing a hydrogen-fueled race car in a similar series.
NASCAR recently introduced an all-electric prototype car during the Chicago Street Course race, signaling the sport's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The EV prototype boasts an All-Wheel Drive system and a generic Crossover Utility Vehicle body constructed from sustainable flax-based composite materials. Powered by three STARD UHP 6-Phase motors and a 78-kWh battery, the car can deliver a peak power of 1,000 kW, utilizing regenerative braking for energy efficiency. NASCAR has joined forces with ABB to establish an 'electrification innovation partnership' focusing on sustainable initiatives like infrastructure development and education. The ultimate goal is to achieve a zero-carbon footprint across NASCAR's core operations by 2035, aligning with the U.S. government's carbon reduction targets. Additionally, NASCAR envisions a transition to hydrogen-powered cars in the future, following Toyota's hydrogen-fueled race car debut in a similar endurance series. Toyota Racing Development emphasized the potential of hydrogen as a clean-burning fuel with a minimal carbon footprint, suggesting a future direction for NASCAR's green evolution on the track.