NASCAR on Saturday unveiled a prototype electric race car as part of a new initiative that aims to reduce the organization’s emissions and electrify aspects of the sport. The initiative represents a key push toward sustainability that is seemingly at odds with the legacy of stock car racing, but aligns with NASCAR’s long-term goal of reaching net zero operating emissions by 2035.
“This partnership gives us a platform to talk about the issues that are happening in our country and the direction that we are all taking together as a nation,” said Chris Shigas, head of communications at ABB in the U.S. While there are no plans to ditch the combustion engine in stock car racing, the initiative may explore possibilities around high-performance electric racing, officials said.