NASCAR unveils electric vehicle prototype

NASCAR showcased a new electric vehicle (EV) prototype, the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype, during the Chicago Street Race, highlighting its partnership with Swedish electrification firm ABB as part of its sustainability initiatives.

Although the EV, resembling a performance crossover like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, marks a significant departure from traditional stock cars, it is not intended to replace the fuel-burning V8 engines in the near future.

The EV features three electric motors, a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery capable of generating 1,000kW at peak power, and sits on a modified Next Gen chassis developed with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.

NASCAR driver David Ragan, who tested the $1.5 million prototype, reported that it was nearly as fast as conventional race cars, despite its additional weight. While traditional stock cars remain in NASCAR's future, the organization is considering exploring high-performance racing with electric vehicles.