Offering 1,300 HP and a silent roar, one such futuristic Blazer EV.R NASCAR prototype was introduced by Chevrolet and silently stole the show at Daytona 500 this year. This demonstration vehicle from Chevrolet set the tone for NASCAR’s EV mission, but NASCAR is not ready to go fully electric on the track as yet. Drifting away from internal combustion engines, the NASCAR’s EV prototype made all involved proud at the ABB FIA Formula E Championship at Homestead Miami Speedway. NASCAR prototypes have been created for performance and is equipped with technology that spells maximum potential- on the track and on the road.
NASCAR’s EV prototype becoming a reality
When it comes to NASCAR’s EV prototype, sustainability efforts rank supreme, but so too does efforts to ensure peak power. What NASCAR wishes to achieve with its prototype is a place for cleaner energy in motorsports. NASCAR’s prototype project is supported by ABB and created alongside Formula E. The project’s prototype was designed in such a way that it did not replace the current Cup Series car but showed possibility.
Blazer EV.R meant to focus on power and performance
Blazer EV.R features three electric motors with one located in the front and the other two motors placed at the rear. The battery is a 78-kWh battery but that is not the best part of this EV prototype. The fact that it delivers 1,300 horsepower and offers instant torque is something else. The prototype shines being built on NASCAR’s Next Gen chasis and has a 500 pound battery pack that enables the prototype to mantain its weight and stay well positioned.
A combined 1,300 HP is on offer from the three electric motors wth the system capabale of reaching up to 15,000 RPM means that the acceleration surely surpasses that of V8 stock cars. The engineers looked towards Gen 7 cars so that the prototype did not transgress too far from what has become customary for drivers of the brand. The vehicle came fully equipped with all the latest including that of a braking system and other EV components.
Chevrolet’s Blazer EV.R is considering the future of electrification. The prototype captures what it means to move EV innovations from the race track to a consumer vehicle form.
NASCAR playing a leading role in the EV agenda
NASCAR’s prototype not only focuses on speed and a strategic design, but puts sustainability at the forefront of its mission. In following suit with a more sustainable EV, the NASCAR EV prototype’s body was constructed from flax fiber composites showing that NASCAR is environmentally conscious. Smarter energy is offered on the track thanks to a regenerative braking system.
The team at NASCAR is not only looking at creating an EV fit for the racetrack, but they are expressing an overall mindset shift where performance becomes as central as sustainability. With this prototype, the Senior Vice President and Chief racing development officer, John Probst’s words hold true, “We, from a NASCAR perspective want to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to where the future is going.” NASCAR has not yet revealed a release date for the prototype to take the track, but with NASCAR they are always ahead of what customers want and they ensure they give customers what they want. However, if BMW abandoned EVs already, will NASCAR abandon EVs too?
Is there a future for EVs with NASCAR or is this a testing prototype only?
There is hope from David Ragan (NASCAR driver) that this EV prototype will soon be track ready but NASCAR has repeatedly mentioned that the prototype does not mean the Cup Series will become fully electric anytime soon. While the EV prototype is currently just for testing, NASCAR’s interest in electrification is clear and NASCAR is not putting forth this prototype just for fun.
NASCAR realizes that mass adoption requires more than just an interest in electrification, it requires a mindset alteration, however, NASCAR’s prototype is already indicative of a full on transformation ready to happen. Although talk has spread that EVs could soon disappear worldwide, NASCAR has not yet taken its eyes off an EV future.
Disclaimer: Our coverage of events affecting companies is purely informative and descriptive. Under no circumstances does it seek to promote an opinion or create a trend, nor can it be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any kind.
