NASCAR’s electronic future is accelerating faster than expected. In 2024, they introduced the EV prototype to the world, marking a new approach for NASCAR. They have even partnerships linked to their sustainability program with major industry partners, which have further solidified NASCAR’s EV initiative. And, now, a brand new deal, a brand new partnership, has further fueled the green initiative.

According to Adam Stern, motorsports reporter for SBJ, ABB North America has finalized new deals with NASCAR sponsors, including Goodyear and Dewalt. ABB North America even mentioned that NASCAR is helping them expand the idea of conserving energy to the heart of America.

“@ABBNorthAmerica has struck some new B2B deals with NASCAR industry sponsors in @DEWALTtough and @Goodyear after getting into the sport via the NASCAR EV. NASCAR is helping us bring this [conversation about energy] to the heart of America,” Stern tweeted, sharing the journal he wrote about the deal.

ABB and Dewalt have been visiting each other’s offices and factories after meeting through NASCAR. DeWalt has more than 40 factories across the U.S, and they were considering using ABB’s product to meet their electrical needs. Additionally, ABB was seeking a deal with Goodyear, the manufacturer of the customized tires for the new NASCAR EV cars. It appears that the deals have been finalized.

ABB is a Swiss electrification and automation technology company that became the official Electrification Innovation Partner of NASCAR IN 2024. This partnership aimed to explore the field of high-performance electric racing. ABB also became a part of NASCAR IMPACT, which focuses on decreasing its carbon footprint. The main goal of IMPACT is to achieve a zero carbon footprint by the end of 2035.

Although the Motorsports Juggernaut is fully committed to the combustion engine in racing, it continues to work on achieving public sustainability targets, including EV charging, electrification, and finding alternatives to combustion engines. The EV prototype, launched at the 2024 NSCAR Chicago Street Race in partnership with ABBA, was part of this initiative.

The prototype was developed in partnership with various partners, including Ford, Toyota, and Chevrolet. The prototype features a 78 kWh liquid-cooled battery and a tunable powertrain that can produce 1,000 kW at maximum power. It even features a unique regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy into additional power, which racers can utilize on the track.

Although the launch looked promising, it faced a lot of backlash rather than global acceptance.

NASCAR’s EV is good for the environment but bad for the sport?

The raw power of the V8 engine, a lightning-fast and loud car burning rubber and gas, has become an integral part of NASCAR, offering the thrill fans expect when they tune in to their screens or grab their seats in the stadium. However, the introduction of the EV prototype certainly will benefit the environment, but are they suitable for racing?

NASCAR hasn’t made any announcement regarding the new EVs joining the national series. However, with that being a possibility, the fans do not find it exciting.

The fans are completely against this idea of NASCAR ‘going green.’ Many are calling this initiation the death of the sport. This might be the reason why former Cup Series driver David Ragan suggested that, instead of replacing the current racing cars, NASCAR can host a separate EV series. That might keep the fans’ faith alive.

Some within NASCAR anticipated the backlash. John Probst, the senior vice president of racing development, said that passionate fans would reject the very idea of electric vehicles racing. He also mentioned that gasoline-burning race cars are not on their way to extinction.

NASCAR may have multiple goals, such as reducing its carbon footprint to zero and utilizing sustainable energy sources, but it must also maintain the authenticity of the game, especially for fans who want to experience the race in its original form without significant modifications. Would you like to see EV cars in NASCAR?