NASCAR Unveils EV Racecar Prototype at Chicago Street Race
Key Ideas
- NASCAR debuted an EV racecar prototype at the Chicago Street Race event after two years of development, part of their NASCAR IMPACT initiative to explore vehicle electrification and charging capabilities.
- The partnership with ABB, focusing on EV technology, aims to educate fans about electric vehicles and other alternative propulsion forms, hinting at future expansion into hydrogen-fueled engines and hybrid technology.
- NASCAR's long-term goals include achieving net-zero operating emissions by 2035, with plans for renewable electricity at all racetracks by 2028 and implementing waste diversion efforts alongside building EV charging stations.
- While focusing on EVs, NASCAR is also exploring hydrogen-propulsion, regenerative braking, and lighter materials to offset their carbon footprint, inspired by alternative energy developments in the Super Taikyu Series in Japan.
NASCAR recently unveiled its EV racecar prototype at the Chicago Street Race event, marking a significant milestone after two years of development. The project is part of NASCAR IMPACT, a broader initiative to drive improvements in vehicle electrification and charging capabilities within the stock car industry. The EV racecar, a crossover utility vehicle, is powered by a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery and features regenerative braking technology. The partnership with ABB aims to promote energy transition and educate fans about electric vehicles, potentially expanding into hydrogen-fueled engines and hybrid technology in the future.
In addition to their focus on EVs, NASCAR is committed to offsetting their carbon footprint by exploring hydrogen propulsion, regenerative braking, and environmentally friendly materials. The long-term goals include achieving net-zero operating emissions by 2035 and transitioning to 100 percent renewable electricity at all racetracks by 2028, alongside waste diversion efforts and the installation of EV charging stations.
Furthermore, NASCAR is inspired by developments in alternative energy in the Super Taikyu Series in Japan, where manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Mazda are experimenting with hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, alternative bio-fuel engines, and carbon-neutral fuel vehicles. NASCAR's exploration of hydrogen propulsion comes as federal regulators push for the automotive industry to transition to electric vehicles, highlighting the importance of diversifying carbon reduction solutions for a sustainable future.