NASCAR’s move toward sustainability really hit the gas when they introduced their electric vehicle prototype in partnership with ABB, showing they’re serious about exploring new tech. And you can see it reflected in everyday vehicles like the latest Chevy Blazer for testing, with its electric model leading the charge. It’s not just about the engine power on the track, though, it’s about a holistic approach. To get the Impact plan rolling and hit that net-zero emissions goal by 2035, NASCAR’s been making improvements across the board, revealing another solidified step to “Electrifying”.
Ever imagined if your next visit to NASCAR’s Daytona headquarters turned into a jaw-dropping moment? Not just for the racing history it holds, but for the recent push toward sustainability. You might find yourself thinking, “Man, are we really doing this?” That’s what their recent work on mobility looks like.
NASCAR’s accelerated sustainability effort starts with Daytona
NASCAR’s electric program isn’t exactly a brand-new thing–they’ve been working on it for a while. Back in 2013, already mentioned, “This partnership with Eaton Corporation is a major step forward for NASCAR Green.” They teamed up with Eaton to put in 20 EV chargers at their Daytona HQ, Charlotte offices, and the R&D center in Concord, thinking about it as part of a bigger picture with biofuels, renewable energy, etc. Chevy even contributed with the popular Chevy Volt back then for the initial use of the charging stations at Daytona. But let’s be real, they’ve come a long way from just dipping their toes in!
Adam Stern took it X and wrote, “@NASCAR says it has installed 30 EV chargers at its HQ in Daytona for employee/industry use, as part of its NASCAR Impact plan…ABB: “Electrifying real estate like parking at NASCAR headquarters puts these assets to work, accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility.” It’s evident that NASCAR is making a big push towards electrification and sustainability, a real turning point for the racing world.
.@NASCAR says it has installed 30 EV chargers at its HQ in Daytona for employee/industry use, as part of its NASCAR Impact plan.
ABB: “Electrifying real estate like parking at NASCAR headquarters puts these assets to work, accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility.”
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) February 15, 2025
The first electric race car prototype marked a major shift into the world of eco-friendly racing tech. What’s interesting is that this isn’t just an in-house project; going ahead, it’s the result of joining forces with their biggest manufacturer partners, including Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, as well as the electrification giant ABB, to bring this vision to life. There are rumors that the announcement of the 4th OEM’s entry also hinges on the success of the EV program at NASCAR. And the sanctioning body has been steadfast in bringing its vision to reality in recent years.
The Chicago Street Race revealed the prototype, offering fans a sneak peek into the future of NASCAR last year. And recently they dropped another glimpse of their iteration, which could prove to be a big breakthrough for NASCAR.
Chevrolet’s EV NASCAR Blazer Prototype
“I’m used to knowing my speed through gearing and listening to engine revs, so I had to totally change how I judge corner entry speed…With this platform, we’re learning how to strategically adjust regenerative braking, which has a big impact on braking sections and cornering balance.” Said Justin Allgaier who carried out the test drive for his team Chevrolet.
Justin Allgaier’s experience behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Blazer EV.R prototype underscores the primary shift required when transitioning from traditional combustion engines to electric power in racing. In addition to adapting to the familiarity that a driver has gauging speed by the sound of an engine and gear changes.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype, which stands a chance to debut at the DAYTONA 500, showcases impressive performance with over 1,300 horsepower generated by three electric motors and a 78-kWh battery. Built on NASCAR’s Next Gen chassis, its design features aerodynamic elements inspired by the Blazer EV SS. This feature is what excites some fans out there.
Although it’s a different perspective that many are completely against the EV launch. But embracing the positive part about it, isn’t something bad, right? Who knows, some future developments might cater to the taste of traditional stock car racing lively spirit.
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