NASCAR’S TURN TO ELECTRIFY ITS CARS

By Éric Descarries

NASCAR fans beware: this American stock-car racing series has no intention of transforming its powerful, noisy cars into electric vehicles. Rest assured, the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Camping World cars and trucks will retain their traditional V8 engines.

However, at its latest event in Chicago, NASCAR unveiled its prototype electric race car for use in exhibition races and special events. This prototype VUM was created with a generic bodywork that bears no resemblance to any well-known brand (although Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota were involved in the project). Nevertheless, beneath this fanciful bodywork lie three STARD UHP 6-phase electric motors (one at the front and two at the rear for four-wheel drive). Power comes from a 70 kWh battery pack (liquid-cooled), which translates into a maximum output of 1,000 kWh. Goodyear tires are also prototypes that would be used with electric CUVs.

Note that the giant ABB, already heavily involved in the electrical and automation fields, was involved in the development of this prototype. We expect to see some demonstration races in the coming year.

PICTURE CREDIT: NASCAR