Summary
- NASCAR unveiled its first electric race car prototype to gauge fan interest in electric vehicle racing
- The $1.5 million prototype was tested by semiretired driver David Ragan and received positive feedback
- The company has partnered with Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, and ABB on the project
- Eric Warren of General Motors found that more than half of NASCAR fans would be interested in buying an EV if exposed to them through racing
- NASCAR aims to use sustainable fuels and 100% renewable electricity at its tracks by 2028, with a goal of reducing operating pollution to net zero by 2035
Article
NASCAR, a sport typically known for its gas-powered engines, is now embracing change by unveiling its first electric race car prototype. This move aims to gauge fan interest in electric vehicle racing while also putting the high-performance EV to the test. The project, a result of partnerships between NASCAR and companies like Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, and ABB, looks to increase the presence of electric vehicles in the racing industry. Semiretired NASCAR driver David Ragan, the only one to have driven the $1.5 million prototype, described the experience as unlike anything he’s ever experienced, highlighting the significance of this new venture.
Eric Warren, head of global motorsports competition for General Motors, has found that over half of NASCAR fans would be interested in purchasing an EV after being exposed to them through racing. This shift towards electric vehicles in NASCAR is seen as a key opportunity for education and innovation within the industry. As the sport continues to evolve, it is important to adapt to changing times and technology. The introduction of electric race cars represents a step into the future, with the potential to appeal to a new generation of fans who embrace sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
While Formula E has made strides in promoting electric vehicle racing on a global level, NASCAR’s reach and impact on fans are unmatched. The NASCAR series has outlined its own sustainability goals, aiming to use sustainable fuels and 100% renewable electricity at its tracks by 2028, with the ultimate goal of reducing operating pollution to net zero by 2035. This commitment to environmental stewardship reflects a growing awareness of the effects of carbon emissions produced by traditional gas-powered race cars, and the need for a more sustainable approach within the sport.
The move towards electric vehicles in NASCAR aligns with broader trends in the automotive industry, with companies like Ford adding more powerful electric vehicles to their lineups to appeal to consumers. Ford’s global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, Mark Rushbrook, sees this shift as a way to connect fans to the race car in a meaningful way. As consumer interest in electric vehicles grows, the opportunity for electric racing to capture a wider audience becomes more apparent, signaling a potential shift in the future of NASCAR and motorsports as a whole.
The initiative to introduce electric race cars in NASCAR represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainability and innovation within the sport. By engaging with fans and encouraging interest in electric vehicles through racing, NASCAR has the potential to open up new opportunities for growth and development. As the automotive industry continues to evolve towards more sustainable practices, NASCAR’s embrace of electric vehicles reflects a forward-thinking approach to addressing environmental concerns and staying relevant in a changing world. With a clear focus on sustainability and education, NASCAR is setting the stage for a new era of racing that aligns with the demands of a modern, eco-conscious audience.
Read the full article here