NASCAR introduced its inaugural electric race car prototype at the Chicago Street Race today, adorned in ABB livery and equipped with a powerful tunable powertrain capable of reaching up to 1,000 kW (1340 hp) peak power.
Dubbed the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype, the vehicle marks a significant step in NASCAR’s sustainability efforts under its “NASCAR Impact” initiative. ABB has been announced as the first Official Partner of Impact, aiming to foster discussions on sustainability and promote environmental stewardship.
“There could not be a more optimal moment in time to announce our first Impact partner than in tandem with the debut of the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype at the Chicago Street Race,” stated Eric Nyquist, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. “ABB is an industry leader and will help in efforts to decarbonize our operations as we pursue achieving net-zero operating emissions over the next decade.”
Developed in collaboration with NASCAR’s OEM partners Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, the electric race car features an all-wheel-drive tubular chassis powered by three STARD UHP 6-Phase motors, with a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery providing energy.
Specialized Goodyear Racing Eagle tires cater to the EV’s substantial torque and added weight, while regenerative braking enhances performance on road courses and short oval tracks.
The vehicle’s body is crafted from a sustainable, recyclable flax-based composite, underscoring NASCAR’s commitment to environmentally conscious racing technologies. Semi-retired NASCAR driver David Ragan is set to pilot the prototype, showcasing its capabilities on the track following its unveiling.
