NASCAR & ABB Drive Electric Innovation Forward
EVs are widely seen as a solution to many sustainability challenges, offering the potential to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. While internal combustion engines have traditionally dominated motorsport, a significant shift is underway—one that many wouldn’t expect to find on a NASCAR track.
At the 2025 Daytona 500, NASCAR and ABB made history by debuting their groundbreaking EV prototype as a pace car, signalling a bold step towards a more sustainable future for the sport.
ABB and NASCAR’s EV prototype: A high-performance catalyst
While its exterior may resemble other race cars on the track, NASCAR’s new EV prototype is vastly different under the hood. Boasting over 1300 horsepower, it delivers exceptional speed and acceleration, easily keeping up with its fuel-powered counterparts.
The car’s chassis is a modified version of existing race models, explicitly designed to allow the loading of batteries from the bottom, optimising efficiency and performance.
Ralph Donati, ABB Executive Vice President, highlighted the importance of this breakthrough: “ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation and we help customers globally optimise, electrify and decarbonise their operations.
The collaboration between NASCAR, ABB in the United States and the NASCAR industry aims to push the boundaries of electrification technology, from EV racing to long-haul transportation to facility operations.”
ABB and NASCAR’s partnership
The ABB NASCAR Electrification Innovation Partnership was established in 2024, marking a major commitment to advancing high-performance electric racing. The collaboration aims to drive the integration of EV technology into NASCAR while expanding broader electrification efforts across the sport.
ABB has joined as a founding member of NASCAR IMPACT, a platform designed to accelerate sustainability initiatives. The partnership was officially announced at the 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, where the companies unveiled the highly anticipated EV prototype.
Eric Nyquist, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief IMPACT Officer, highlighted the significance of the moment: “There could not be a more optimal moment in time to announce our first IMPACT partner than in tandem with the debut of our prototype electric vehicle at the Chicago Street Race.
"ABB is an industry leader and will help in efforts to decarbonise our operations as we pursue achieving net-zero operating emissions over the next decade.”
NASCAR IMPACT: Pioneering sustainability in motorsport
A comprehensive plan to significantly reduce the sport’s carbon footprint is at the heart of NASCAR IMPACT. NASCAR has set an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero operating emissions by 2035, with key sustainability initiatives already in motion.
- Transitioning core operations from fossil fuels to electric power.
- Sourcing 100% renewable energy at all NASCAR-owned racetracks and facilities by 2028.
- Expanding waste diversion programs to minimise environmental impact.
- Installing on-site EV charging stations to support both race teams and fans.
ABB is crucial to these efforts, providing technology, equipment and strategic guidance to help NASCAR electrify key aspects of its operations.
ABB’s legacy in electric racing
This isn’t ABB’s first foray into motorsports. Since 2018, the company has been the title partner of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, a pioneering series dedicated entirely to electric racing.
By bringing its expertise to NASCAR, ABB is helping bridge the gap between traditional motorsports and a more sustainable, high-performance future.
Morten Wierod, CEO at ABB, expressed his optimism about the future of EVs in NASCAR: “We are very proud to be working with NASCAR to decarbonise its operations as it seeks to achieve net-zero operating emissions by 2035.
With our electrification and automation solutions, we will help NASCAR outrun – leaner and cleaner. It might be a while before EVs become a fixture on the NASCAR circuit, but when they do, I have no doubt they’ll be crossing the finish line first.”
The future of NASCAR: A shift towards sustainability
Introducing an electric pace car at the 2025 Daytona 500 is just the beginning. As technology advances and fan acceptance grows, fully electric NASCAR races may become a reality shortly. ABB and NASCAR’s partnership is not just a step towards cleaner racing but a defining moment in the evolution of motorsport itself.
With ABB’s technological expertise and NASCAR’s commitment to innovation, the road ahead looks electric. And as Morten Wierod suggests, when EVs take their place on the NASCAR circuit, they’ll set the pace for the future of racing.
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