Is NASCAR Contemplating Going Out Electric For Cars and SUVs?

It is reasonable to assume that prominent sports like NASCAR will become more environmentally conscious due to the social pressure compelling many industries and governments to do the same.

Given how rapidly the automotive sector has embraced electric powertrains, it is not surprising that the racing titans may investigate an electric option that may impact NASCAR points standing.

NASCAR may deploy hybrid cars to attract new types of environmentally conscious spectators, expanding the sport’s popularity.

Reportedly, NASCAR is considering a new racing series that SUV and electric vehicle enthusiasts may support. According to a hidden NASCAR documentary, a prototype EV race car could be an SUV next summer. 

According to leaked documents, the United States’ premier racing series is committed to building a new EV SUV racing championship.

NASCAR will prioritize finding safety measures and adopting components from Formula E and ERC EV series. Additionally, the sounds of race cars will remain despite the increasing power coming from the electric power unit. In Formula E, each team’s vehicle has its sound and access to the racecar’s inherent sound.

Ushering in the New Era

NASCAR R&D is announcing that V8 engines will continue to power stock cars. In addition to the standard V8, the electric engine will be powered by a new battery, according to official marketing materials.

Forecasting what NASCAR would race if it switched to electric vehicles is challenging. Who wouldn’t want to see a race between a Mustang Mach-E and a Chevrolet Blazer EV?

The Mach E and the Blazer EV are increasing their performance capabilities, with the Mach-E now being offered in GT trim and Chevrolet adding an SS badge to the Blazer. 

Honda is also involved in American racing, and the Prologue 2024 may be a great racer. Is it possible to observe a Toyota bZ4x racing vehicle?

NASCAR teams can utilize this added power similarly to Formula E and IndyCar drivers. In other words, electric power can be accessed on demand in particular vehicle modes or by pressing a button.

Engineers are still debating how the Next Generation vehicle’s battery will be charged. Current hybrid systems in racing events, such as Formula One, use regenerative braking technology to charge the battery.

The following generation of NASCAR fans is more environmentally conscious than previous generations. The stock car racing industry has already demonstrated its commitment to becoming more environmentally responsible by implementing the regenerative braking system.

This charging mechanism works well in races with many corners, like road races, but it may not perform well in NASCAR, where ovals offer fewer braking options. 

Systems that rely on regenerative braking for battery charge experience a reduction in battery performance at continuous speeds.

To achieve the eco-friendly objectives, the Gen Seven vehicles must be modified to accept the new motor and batteries, while the suspension and brakes remain untouched. It would be as simple as removing the ICE front and rear clips and replacing them with their EV counterparts to convert a Gen Seven automobile to an EV.

Use “low performance” modes to convert engine output to energy as an alternative. Drivers or teams may employ this mode whenever they choose, sacrificing performance to charge the battery, with the knowledge that the electric motor will provide a boost later in the race. This also adds a strategic element to when to use this extra power in the race.

Other driving-improving technological specifications for the Next Generation NASCAR car include a lighter, standardized chassis that can benefit from the hybrid drivetrain’s power.

F1 Is Already Using Hybrid Power 

Formula 1 is the most recognizable racing series with electric engines. 2014 marked the beginning of the V-6 Turbo-Hybrid era for the world’s leading motorsports manufacturer.

Powered by a turbocharged hybrid V6 engine, these lightweight cars can achieve speeds over 200 mph. Since implementing these hybrid power units, some of the world’s greatest racing drivers have dominated the sport and delivered outstanding performances.

NASCAR’s strategy might involve fully electric vehicles like Formula E to hybrid race cars like Formula 1. Many individuals are unaware that modern Formula One vehicles are equipped with an internal combustion engine and a hybrid drivetrain.

The hybrid engines add weight and complexity to F1 cars. However, the new cars are as quick as the most potent V10 engines of the 1990s and use increasingly sustainable fuels for races.

Every NASCAR Cup Series car manufacturer has a hybrid vehicle. NASCAR could improve hybrid sales for Ford, Toyota, and Chevrolet by including hybrid vehicles in racing. Win on Sunday, sell on Monday, right?

Leave a Comment