Daytona 500: ABB & NASCAR Unveil Electric Pace Car EV
Electric power is revolutionising sustainability efforts, enabling the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
While NASCAR might seem an unlikely venue for electric innovation, the 2025 Daytona 500 hosted ABB and NASCAR's EV prototype, making its debut as a pace car.
Morten Wierod, CEO at ABB, says: “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.”
The electrified pace of NASCAR
From the outside, NASCAR's newest pace car might resemble its traditional counterparts, but under the hood, it's a different beast.
Boasting over 1300 horsepower, the EV prototype isn't just keeping pace — it’s setting it.
This is not just any car; its chassis has been specifically adapted to house its powerful electric heart, allowing batteries to be loaded from the bottom.
“ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, and we help customers globally to optimise, electrify and decarbonise their operations,” says Ralph Donati, ABB Executive Vice President.
“The objective of the collaboration between NASCAR, ABB in the United States and the NASCAR industry is to push the boundaries of electrification technology, from EV racing to long-haul transportation to facility operations.”
The power of collaboration
The fusion between ABB and NASCAR didn't just happen over night.
The ABB NASCAR Electrification Innovation Partnership was officially formed in 2024 — it's not just about creating a high-performance electric racing prototype, but a strategic move designed to infuse the entire sport with enhanced sustainability.
The partnership was announced at the 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race where the companies also unveiled the new EV prototype.
“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,” said Eric Nyquist, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief IMPACT Officer.
“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’s green future
NASCAR IMPACT isn’t just a name, it’s a visionary blueprint for the sport’s sustainable future.
With a fierce commitment to slash its carbon footprint by 2035, NASCAR is shifting from traditional fuel to electric, aiming to power all its owned racetracks and facilities exclusively with renewable energy by 2028.
From installing onsite EV charging stations to advising on energy efficiency, ABB is gearing up NASCAR for a sustainable overhaul.
The racing giant isn’t new to racing — its involvement stretches back to 2018 with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championships, showcasing a longstanding commitment to electric racing.
Morten says: “It might be a while before EVs become a fixture on the NASCAR circuit.
"But when they do, I have no doubt that they’ll be crossing the finish line first.”
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