NASCAR is exploring the idea of launching an electric racing championship. In July, a prototype electric SUV race car was unveiled. The body panels of the prototype electric NASCAR race car were constructed using plant-based materials.
At its Chicago Street Race in July, NASCAR unveiled an unexpected electric SUV prototype race car, and while its electric powertrain and SUV design were notable, they weren’t the only unconventional aspects of the vehicle.
The NASCAR EV Prototype showcased an innovative body design from Swiss company Bcomp, utilizing flax as an eco-friendly substitute for traditional carbon fiber commonly used in motorsports. According to Bcomp, this sustainable material boasts a comparable level of rigidity.
The unique rigidity of this material can be attributed to its internal framework, which draws inspiration from the intricate network of veins found in leaves, as explained by Bcomp in a recent blog post. Flax fibers sourced from European farms that do not encroach on agricultural land are used to create this innovative fabric, which can be layered and molded to achieve a desired shape, much like its carbon fiber and fiberglass counterparts.
In April 2023, NASCAR made a significant pledge to reduce its carbon emissions in the long run, marking the start of a fresh focus on sustainability in the premier motorsport industry in the United States. This commitment entails striving to eliminate carbon emissions entirely from its primary activities by the year 2035.
Flax-based bodywork could make a small contribution toward that goal with less shock than switching from the current race cars—which feature loud, thirsty V-8 engines—to something like the electric SUV prototype. The prototype has all-wheel drive and three six-phase motors—one in front, two in back—potentially producing more than 1,300 horsepower. A 78-kWh battery pack, along with regenerative braking, makes the SUV “ideal for road courses and short oval tracks,” NASCAR previously said.
The prototype’s SUV design is a significant departure, similar to its electric motors, yet it aligns better with the automaker’s existing models. NASCAR has not disclosed a timeframe for potentially introducing electric race cars. However, if it were to happen, it’s conceivable that the prototype could be transformed into a Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Blazer EV, or Toyota bZ4X, consistent with NASCAR’s tradition of featuring race cars that mirror those available to fans for purchase.