First EV Nascar prototype points to the racing series electric future

A next-generation NASCAR race car powered entirely by electricity has been revealed, signalling a potential seismic shift in a sport traditionally defined by roaring combustion engines.

The prototype was unveiled at ABB’s facility in Pinetops, North Carolina, but its design and testing have involved a host of familiar names, including Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota, working alongside NASCAR’s research and development centre in Concord.

While ABB is already known for its sponsorship of the electric open-wheel Formula E series, the prototype NASCAR is its first foray into American stock-car racing. The car jettisons the conventional V8 engine in favour of three electric motors—one at the front and two at the rear—delivering a remarkable 1,365 horsepower, roughly double that of a standard NASCAR engine.

Behind the wheel for testing is veteran driver and television pundit David Ragan, who has put the prototype through its paces on a variety of tracks, including a one-mile oval in Phoenix and the Chicago Street Course. So far, the top speed has hovered around 155-160mph, but both Ragan and ABB vice president Chris Shigas believe the prototype could easily surpass 200mph once truly pushed to its limits.

With its all-wheel drive train—another departure from NASCAR’s conventional rear-wheel setups—the car boasts lightning-quick acceleration and agile handling. Onboard computers automatically adjust torque from front to rear to suit changing race conditions, giving drivers a level of control not seen in traditional cars. The shell, meanwhile, is crafted from eco-friendly flax fibre—a nod to the sustainable technology at the heart of the project.

“It’s a little heavier than carbon fibre, but the engineers love working with it,” Shigas notes. “They say it smells just like a wood shop when they cut it.”

Beyond the race track, ABB is using its official partnership status to help NASCAR assess its overall energy use. Andrew Meehan, general manager of ABB’s Pinetops site, says they are conducting site-by-site reviews to identify the best mix of electrical infrastructure for NASCAR’s ambitious goal of net-zero operating emissions by 2035—a target proudly displayed as the car’s racing number, 35.

While the traditional roar of NASCAR might be missed by some fans, Ragan says the new whirring hum reveals another dimension of the sport. “You can hear the wind flowing around the car,” he explains. “You can hear the tyres squeal and the rubber being thrown off, which you don’t usually notice over the engine noise.”

The cooler cabin is another plus, thanks to the absence of a 300-degree oil temperature or scorching exhaust system. In a conventional NASCAR, drivers often endure cockpit temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, making ice packs a necessity.

Many supporters are intrigued by the prospect of electric racing—reflecting the broader rise of EV technology in everyday motoring—though not everyone is convinced. Some still prefer the nostalgic thunder of older racing machines, but Ragan believes curiosity will eventually trump nostalgia. “People want to know: how fast does it go, what’s the range, how do you recharge? They have the same questions about their own cars.”

In terms of pit stops, Ragan imagines an ideal scenario where a fully charged battery could last an entire race, though that technology remains a work in progress. Tyre changes, however, are expected to mirror the 50-75-lap intervals common on short ovals like Martinsville.

Though a full electric NASCAR series is still on the horizon, Ragan guesses it could emerge “in about 10 years”, contingent on strong backing from manufacturers. For ABB, the partnership with NASCAR is about more than just motorsport. “We’re at an inflection point in how we use energy,” Shigas says. “This prototype is a conversation-starter about the transition we’re in—how we race, how we live and how we power the future.”