Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer, has opened up on the electric prototype for the stock car racing series as well as revealing a huge goal for the EV.
NASCAR’s electric prototype, initially unveiled in the summer of 2024 during the Chicago Street Race, has been met by some criticism amongst fans.
Though the sport is traditionally synonymous with roaring combustion engines, the introduction of this electric vehicle could be a potential turning point as NASCAR explores the possibilities of electrification within stock car racing.
During recent tests, the prototype demonstrated impressive acceleration, coming remarkably close to the performance times of the well-regarded Cup Series vehicles.
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O’Donnell, NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer, commented to Sports Business Journal:
“I’d like to see it on track more, I’d like to see it maybe testing some of the boundaries of electrification and stock cars, chasing some speed records, so there’s a lot on the table that we can look at with ABB.”
This initiative is part of a broader collaboration with ABB, the title sponsor of Formula E. This partnership is crucial as it aligns with NASCAR’s sustainability efforts and goals, such as aiming for net-zero operating emissions by 2035.
Furthermore, the prototype’s development involved contributions from Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, as well as engineers from NASCAR’s previous Next Gen car projects.
Technical examinations reveal that the car is built on a modified chassis of the existing Next Gen vehicles, utilizing flax-based composite materials for its crossover utility body.
Under its hood, you’ll find three electric motors, driven by a substantial 78kWh battery system, churning out a whopping 1300 horsepower. This remarkable powertrain ensures the prototype not only holds its own but actually outpaces its internal combustion counterparts in terms of acceleration.
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Fans have been vocal about the EV’s introduction. While a segment of the audience celebrates this innovative direction, appreciating the environmental benefits, others hold a nostalgic preference for the traditional combustion’s power and thrill.
This comes ahead of the start of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season which will kick off with The Clash on February 2 at the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium.
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
Regular Season
- Feb. 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) – 8 p.m., FOX
- Feb. 16: Daytona 500 – 2:30 p.m., FOX
- Feb. 23: Atlanta – 3 p.m., FOX
- Mar. 2: Austin – 3:30 p.m., FOX
- Mar. 9: Phoenix – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 16: Las Vegas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 23: Homestead – 3 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 30: Martinsville – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 6: Darlington – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 13: Bristol – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 20: Off (Easter)
- Apr. 27: Talladega – 3 p.m., FOX
- May 4: Texas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- May 11: Kansas – 3 p.m., FS1
- May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) – 8 p.m., FS1
- May 25: Charlotte – 6 p.m., Prime Video
- June 1: Nashville – 7 p.m., Prime Video
- June 8: Michigan – 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 15: Mexico City – 3 p.m., Prime Video
- June 22: Pocono – 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 28: Atlanta – 7 p.m., TNT
- July 6: Chicago street course – 2 p.m., TNT
- July 13: Sonoma – 3:30 p.m., TNT
- July 20: Dover – 2 p.m., TNT
- July 27: Indianapolis – 2 p.m., TNT
- Aug. 3: Iowa – 3:30 p.m., USA
- Aug. 10: Watkins Glen – 2 p.m., USA
- Aug. 16: Richmond – 7:30 p.m., USA
- Aug. 23: Daytona – 7:30 p.m., NBC
Playoffs
- Aug. 31: Darlington – 6 p.m., USA
- Sept. 7: St. Louis – 3 p.m., USA
- Sept. 13: Bristol – 7:30 p.m., USA
- Sept. 21: New Hampshire – 2 p.m., USA
- Sept. 28: Kansas – 3 p.m., USA
- Oct. 5: Charlotte road course – 3 p.m., USA
- Oct. 12: Las Vegas – 5:30 p.m., USA
- Oct. 19: Talladega – 2 p.m., NBC
- Oct. 26: Martinsville – 2 p.m., NBC
- Nov. 2: Phoenix – 3 p.m., NBC
