NASCAR unveiled its inaugural electric racecar prototype at the Chicago Road Course, a significant milestone in its quest to transition to an all-electric fleet by 2035. This $1.5 million prototype, a pioneering effort in the NASCAR Impression program, aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions. What’s driving enthusiasm for electric racing?
At Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, the electric racing car showcased remarkable efficiency, finishing within just two-tenths of a second of the average time set by a V8-powered NASCAR vehicle. Despite possessing double the acceleration and impressive braking capabilities, the electric vehicle’s overall weight restricts its speed in corners.
While Ragan acknowledges that he might have accelerated the car earlier, his current priority lies in gathering comprehensive diagnostic data rather than jeopardizing the integrity of the vehicle’s hardware.
The prototype, built on a customised Subsequent Generation platform, features three high-performance STARD UHP six-part motors: one at the front and two at the rear, generating a maximum power output of 1,000 kilowatts.
Powered by a liquid-cooled 78-kilowatt-hour battery and supplemented by regenerative braking, these motors draw energy from multiple sources to optimize performance. This technology harnesses the kinetic energy generated by braking and converts it into supplementary power, thereby optimizing an automobile’s overall efficiency.
Sustainability transcends the vehicle’s powertrain, encompassing its entire physical composition; the automotive’s body is fabricated using flax-based composite materials, while numerous components – including the steering wheel, suspension, brakes, and wheels – are repurposed from a 2022 NASCAR Cup Series vehicle.
Despite its unconventional powertrain, the electric racing car fails to produce the familiar V8 rumble, prompting NASCAR to adopt artificial sound effects via an external speaker system.
This prototype embodies NASCAR’s commitment to environmentally responsible racing, echoing the industry-wide trend of Formula One’s transition to eco-friendly fuels and Electric racing’s focus on transparent competition.
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