What new technologies are being developed for NASCAR? All you need to know

Like every motorsport, NASCAR has been developing several technologies to enhance the performance and safety of the race car, along with making racing interesting. Here's a look at what we can expect in the upcoming seasons of the top national stock car series.

#1. Push toward complete electrification

With the automotive world focusing on electrification, top motorsports like Formula 1, World Endurance Racing, and a few others began experimenting and implementing hybrid technologies. While fans initially expressed criticism, they soon began accepting the changes after witnessing the progress in performance. As a result, NASCAR began exploring electrification with global automation giant ABB.

In a collaborative effort between NASCAR and ABB, the sanctioning body revealed the sport's first-ever all-electric prototype race car during the Chicago Street Race weekend. Underneath the body made of sustainable flax-based composite material, ABB developed a triple electric motor all-wheel-drive setup paired with a liquid-cooled 78kWh battery pack. The setup is rated to develop 1,000kW (approximately 1,360hp) of peak power.

NASCAR aims to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2035.

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#2. Use of hybrid powertrain as a bridging solution

As of now, NASCAR's next-gen cars are powered by a naturally aspirated 5.86-liter pushrod-type V8 engine that generates 670hp (510hp with restrictor plate) of power and 720Nm of peak torque. With a focus on electrification, the sanctioning body is likely looking at hybridization as an option.

With a hybrid powertrain, next-gen race cars will be able to save fuel while boosting performance, as has been the case with Formula 1's V6 hybrid setup since 2014. This will also help NASCAR stay relevant as a top motorsport.

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"ABB is an industry leader and will help in efforts to decarbonize our operations" - NASCAR's Senior Vice President Eric Nyquist on collaborating with ABB for developing an all-electric race car

In a bid to showcase the future of stock car racing, NASCAR collaborated with ABB to develop an all-electric race car. While revealing the first-ever prototype during the Chicago Street Race weekend in July 2024, NASCAR's Senior Vice President Eric Nyquist spoke about the sanctioning body's efforts to reduce the carbon footprint.

He said (via NASCAR):

"There could not be a more optimal moment in time to announce our first Impact partner than in tandem with the debut of the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype at the Chicago Street Race.

"ABB is an industry leader and will help in efforts to decarbonize our operations as we pursue achieving net-zero operating emissions over the next decade."

As of now, NASCAR is committed to complete electrification of the sport and attain a net-zero carbon footprint by 2035. The sanctioning body also aims to push the electrification technology from racing to transportation and even to facility operations.