NASCAR and electrification company ABB have joined forces with Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota to develop an impressive new electric performance car. Their goal is not only to demonstrate the excitement and power that electric racing can bring to the table. They also want to gauge fan interest in this new category of high-performance electric vehicles.

The vehicle was demoed this morning as part of the NASCAR Cup Series with veteran driver David Ragan behind the wheel at the Chicago Street Race. Many fans and media figures captured footage of the exciting new car in action including @MrGoElectric on X.

Ragan told the Associated Press that it was “really wild” being able to hear the squeal of the tires and smell the brakes around the curves. This new electric stock car is certainly quieter than most NASCAR fans are used to, although it is far from silent. While it doesn’t produce the deep rumble of a car’s combustion engine, the satisfying electronic hum sounds plenty powerful as it whips by the crowd.

This electric stock car certainly has the power to compete with three STARD UHP 6-Phase motors powered by a 78 kWh battery that produces 1,000 kW at peak power. Acceleration is twice as quick as your typical stock car and the combined regen and friction braking outperforms its combustion engine cousins.

The vehicle’s lap time in a recent test at Martinsville Speedway was two-tenths of a second slower than other vehicles in attendance. But Ragan admitted he was not pushing the brand new, one-of-a-kind vehicle to the limit in a testing situation like this.

If none of this excites you, don’t worry. No one expects electric vehicles to dominate traditional NASCAR competitions anytime soon. There would likely be a specific racing series for this category of vehicles. This is just one dimension of NASCAR’s plan to clean up its events overall, cutting operating emissions to “net zero” by 2035.

Electric vehicles have already made impressive showings at other events such as Pikes Peak or Nürburgring. There is no doubt that electric powertrains usually have combustion vehicles beat in raw power, but we will have to wait and see if they have the endurance to compete in events with distances of 400 or 500 miles.

Are you excited about the potential for EV racing in NASCAR? Or does the prospect take away the appeal for you personally? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Electric vehicle (EV) racing has been gaining traction in recent years as automakers seek to showcase the performance capabilities of their electric vehicles. While some may question whether EV racing can provide the same level of excitement as traditional gasoline-powered racing, NASCAR’s latest prototype aims to prove that electric racing can be just as thrilling.

NASCAR, the premier stock car racing organization in the United States, recently unveiled its latest prototype for an all-electric racing series. The prototype, known as the “Cup Car Next Gen EV,” is powered by a powerful electric motor and is designed to compete on a variety of tracks, including ovals, road courses, and even street circuits.

One of the key features of the Cup Car Next Gen EV is its instant torque delivery, which provides lightning-fast acceleration and impressive top speeds. With zero emissions and minimal noise, the electric racing car offers a unique driving experience that is quite different from its gasoline-powered counterparts.

Despite the absence of the roaring engines and squealing tires that are characteristic of traditional racing, the Cup Car Next Gen EV promises to deliver an exhilarating racing experience. The electric motor’s immediate power delivery and high-speed capabilities are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats as they watch the cars battle it out on the track.

In addition to its performance capabilities, the Cup Car Next Gen EV also showcases the advancements in electric vehicle technology and promotes sustainability in motorsports. By using electric powertrains, NASCAR is taking a step towards reducing its carbon footprint and showcasing the potential of electric vehicles in the racing world.

While some may be skeptical about the thrill factor of EV racing, NASCAR’s latest prototype is set to challenge those perceptions and prove that electric racing can be just as exciting as traditional gasoline-powered racing. With its cutting-edge technology, lightning-fast acceleration, and eco-friendly design, the Cup Car Next Gen EV is sure to capture the attention of racing fans and pave the way for a new era of electrifying motorsports.