NASCAR recently made a groundbreaking announcement in partnership with ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation. The ABB NASCAR Electrification Innovation Partnership was unveiled at the Chicago Street Race, where a new EV prototype was showcased. This marks a significant step for NASCAR as it aligns with its mission to promote sustainability and contribute to a healthier planet.
Ralph Donati, ABB Executive Vice President, expressed the company’s commitment to advancing electrification technology through collaborations with NASCAR and the broader industry. ABB will not only support NASCAR in achieving public sustainability targets related to electrification and electric vehicle charging but also work towards decarbonizing operations and reducing carbon footprint to zero by 2035.
The ABB NASCAR EV Prototype, developed by the NASCAR Research & Development Center team, features cutting-edge technology. With three STARD UHP 6-Phase motors, a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery, and regenerative braking, the electrified stock car is track-tested and capable of producing 1,000 kW at peak power. Its All-Wheel Drive system and sustainable flax-based composite body make it a standout in the world of racing.
The collaboration between NASCAR and its OEM partners, Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, has been key to the development of the prototype. By leveraging the expertise of NASCAR engineers and incorporating elements from the Next Gen car and Garage 56 entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the prototype represents a significant milestone in NASCAR’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
NASCAR’s dedication to product relevance is evident in the Next Gen car, which modernized components and aimed to align race cars with production vehicles. The ABB NASCAR EV Prototype builds on this ethos, incorporating elements from both the Next Gen and Garage 56 cars to create a high-performance, sustainable racing vehicle.
As a founding partner of NASCAR Impact, ABB plays a crucial role in driving sustainability, community engagement, and other social initiatives within NASCAR. The platform aims to reduce NASCAR’s carbon footprint to zero by 2035, with a focus on transitioning operations from fuel-based to electric power.
In conclusion, the introduction of the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype represents a significant milestone for NASCAR and the future of racing. By embracing electrification and sustainable practices, NASCAR is positioning itself as a leader in promoting environmental stewardship and innovation in the world of motorsports.