NASCAR envisions a sustainable future with first ever electric race car

NASCAR unveiled its first-ever electric vehicle prototype at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on Saturday, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable future for the sport. 

The fully electric vehicle is the product of a partnership between NASCAR and tech company ABB, a leader in electrification and automation, according to a statement from NASCAR. The prototype was designed with NASCAR’s equipment manufacturing partners Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. 

ABB reportedly plans to further partner with NASCAR in constructing EV infrastructure and achieving its long-term sustainability goals, which include reaching net zero emissions across its core business operations by 2035.

Despite its lack of a traditional combustion engine, the electric prototype is more than capable of taking on a NASCAR course. According to the company's statement, the car has been track tested and can produce up to 1,000 kilowatts of energy at top speed. 

“There could not be a more optimal time to announce our first Impact partner than in tandem with the debut of the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype at the Chicago Street Race,” said 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.”