As the premier inventory automobile racing sanctioning body renowned for its high-energy events across the United States, is poised to make a significant stride towards a more environmentally friendly future. In July, during the inaugural unveiling of the innovative prototype, NASCAR took a significant step towards a sustainable future for motorsports by launching its decarbonization initiative. NASCAR is expanding its reach through this transfer, a key component of their overall strategy to grow.
The electrical prototype is the result of a collaborative endeavour between NASCAR and its long-standing OEM partners – , , and – as well as , a global technology leader. Powered by three 6-part electric motors from Williams Advanced Engineering, a renowned Austrian expert in high-performance electric powertrains for vehicles. These motors generate a combined 1,000 kilowatts at peak capacity, equivalent to approximately 1,300 horsepower. The vitality is powered by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, boasting an impressive 78 kilowatt-hours of energy storage capacity and operating at a voltage of 756 volts; however, the exact composition of the battery remains confidentially proprietary information.
C.J. As the senior engineer of automobile methods at NASCAR and leader of the EV prototype challenge, Tobin outlined the driving force behind the initiative. The drive to innovate remains relentless, and since embarking on this endeavour nearly two years ago, progress has been remarkable. We partnered with our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners to successfully demonstrate the capabilities of placing an electric inventory vehicle on the track. For decades, our racing series has served as a premier platform for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to unveil their production vehicles, providing an additional opportunity for them to showcase the products they will offer to the public.
Eleftheria Kontou, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, whose primary research focus is transportation engineering, shared her thoughts on the integration of innovative technology into NASCAR. “It was an excellent introduction of new expertise to NASCAR fans,” she said, “and I hope that the fans will be receptive to seeing more advancements in this area.”
NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Innovation and Racing Growth, John Probst, takes the stage to unveil a revolutionary new electric vehicle prototype. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Pictures
The electric racing car isn’t just about speed; it’s also about sustainability. The automotive’s exterior panels are fabricated from ampliTex, a cutting-edge material supplied by Swiss composite specialist, FibreCo. AmpliTex boasts a unique combination of lightness, high moldability, and exceptional strength, rendering it a superior material compared to traditional metals like metal or aluminum for automotive applications, ultimately enabling more eco-friendly and aerodynamically optimized vehicles.
Regenerative braking is a crucial feature that sets apart the electric racing car from its conventional counterparts. As a result of regenerative braking, the vehicle is able to recapture some of its kinetic energy and transform it into electrical charge, which is then replenished in the battery. This trait proves particularly beneficial on highway projects, such as those in Chicago, as well as short oval courses, like those found in Virginia.
As Kontou notes, the Chicago Road Race offered an opportune platform for the EV prototype’s debut due to its real-world setting, where electric vehicles tend to excel. While a unique testing ground for automotive performance, the track’s demands on brakes make it an ideal spot to showcase the vehicle’s capabilities.
While the electric prototype is part of a broader NASCAR sustainability effort, no immediate plans exist to incorporate it into competition, according to a spokesperson. “The internal combustion engine plays a crucial role in NASCAR, with no indication that this will change anytime soon.” Stock car racing enthusiasts can continue to expect the distinctive sounds and aromas of V-8 engines roaring as they speed around tracks and through city courses.
“The Chicago Road Race proved an apt proving ground for the EV prototype, given its real-world setting where electric vehicles typically flourish.”
While NASCAR has made strides in its sustainability initiatives, it still trails significantly behind its premier competitor, Formula One, in this critical area. Since 2014, the parent company of Components One, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has launched a standalone electric racing series, Formula E. The 2022-23 season, commencing in July, features a thrilling ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with 11 teams vying for victory across 17 electrifying races. This year’s races feature the league’s third generation of electric race cars, with plans to introduce a fourth generation in 2026.
By 2025, NASCAR aims to achieve net-zero emissions in its core operations, a challenge it plans to tackle by offsetting the environmental impact of its iconic stock cars, notorious for their low fuel efficiency and high carbon output. NASCAR’s sustainable initiatives now feature 100% renewable electrical energy at owned racetracks and facilities, accompanied by eco-friendly perks like recycling programs and on-site charging stations for fans.
According to the spokesperson, NASCAR and its Original Equipment Manufacturer partners are developing a more environmentally friendly racing fuel, given that stock cars consume an average of approximately 47 liters per 100 kilometers or around 5 miles per gallon. For comparability, U.S. Federal regulators have announced plans to introduce a new, industry-wide fuel efficiency standard by 2031, targeting a average consumption rate of around 2.3 liters per 100 kilometers (50.4 miles per gallon). Fortunately, NASCAR’s race cars enjoy an exemption from fuel-efficiency and tailpipe-emissions regulations.
While some might draw parallels between NASCAR’s prototype and those showcased in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Tobin stressed that NASCAR’s approach to design was uniquely distinct. He noted that, given the proliferation of electric cars in the market, the team drew heavily from their original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) when designing the vehicle, ultimately aligning with their recommendations.
The seemingly incremental shift towards electric vehicles in NASCAR is viewed by some insiders as both a reaction to environmental pressures and a strategic move to stay ahead of potentially restrictive regulations that could imperil the future of motorsports. “NASCAR must take the lead, alongside its original equipment manufacturer partners, regardless of the destination on the horizon,” says Tobin. As we unveil the NextGen EV prototype, our goal is to demonstrate the flexibility of its chassis and highlight the diverse powertrain options we’ll develop upon it – from various fuels to battery-electric energy and potentially innovative solutions in the future. We aim to continue breaking new ground.
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