NASCAR is introducing a proposed electric race car designed to embrace sustainability beyond its power source.
This electric race car prototype, unveiled in July, showcases a body made from natural-fiber-reinforced plastic constructed with flax fibers.
The body has been developed by Bcomp, a Swiss company, which has released images of the prototype in its uncoated form.
Bcomp focuses on creating lightweight sustainable materials, primarily utilizing flax—a plant that requires minimal water and nutrients and whose fibers can be harvested without chemicals.
NASCAR electric race car prototype
NASCAR electric race car prototype
Bcomp’s natural-fiber-reinforced plastic has already been used outside the auto sector, with Porsche incorporating it into some of its race cars, such as the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR, since 2019.
The NASCAR prototype combines this body with a modified Next Gen chassis, retaining steering, suspension, wheels, and brakes from the current NASCAR Cup Series car.
Its powertrain includes a 78-kwh battery powering three electric motors that generate a total of 1,341 hp. While this setup wouldn’t endure a traditional race distance, Pat DiMarco, Ford Performance’s manager of NASCAR and analytics, suggested that a shorter race format, lasting 30 to 35 minutes on smaller tracks, could work.
Currently, only one prototype has been developed by NASCAR, and there are no definitive plans to establish an electric series just yet. However, reports indicate that discussions for a NASCAR electric series are underway, although its debut may still be a while away. NASCAR has mentioned that this prototype serves as an early look at potentials “years down the road.”
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