Check out NASCAR’s first electric race car prototype

The electric vehicle market is gradually expanding. While the whole world was trying to keep up with this transformation, NASCAR decided to take a step towards a more livable world. NASCAR unveiled its first electric race car prototype at the Chicago Street Race this weekend. This electric crossover, worth $1.5 million, was developed in collaboration with ABB, Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota and was created as part of the NASCAR Impact program to draw attention to sustainability efforts and demonstrate what electric vehicles can do. This doesn’t mean that NASCAR will completely give up on gasoline race cars, but they have stated that they want to gauge interest in electric racing.

Riley Nelson, NASCAR’s chief sustainability officer, said the series and its partners want to represent electric vehicles and electrification in general as fun, cool and accessible in racing. The prototype was tested by NASCAR driver David Ragan and was equipped with a total of three STARD UHP 6-Phase motors, one in the front and two in the rear. These engines are powered by a 78 kWh liquid-cooled battery. According to NASCAR, the vehicle’s adjustable powertrain is capable of producing 1,000 kW at peak power. The vehicle has a modified Next Gen chassis.

NASCAR’s sustainability plans include adding electric vehicle charging stations and using 100 percent renewable energy at its racetracks by 2028. Additionally, zero operating emissions are targeted by 2035.

By the way, the 2023 season witnessed a great competition in the championship fight. Kyle Larson managed to become the NASCAR Cup Series champion with his consistent performance throughout the season. Larson was also the champion of the previous season, and with this success, he made his name in NASCAR history by becoming a champion twice in a row.