Is this the future of motorsport—fierce but silent?
This page is translated from the original post "Avec fureur mais sans bruit, est-ce le futur du sport automobile ?" in French.
- 29/04/2025 9:20
In an advertisement, ABB presents a futuristic vision where vintage gasoline cars and electric racing vehicles coexist in perfect harmony.
This vision takes shape through a Formula E single-seater, the 100% electric World Championship, alongside a prototype of a fully electric race car designed for NASCAR, developed in collaboration with industry giants Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota. The choice of NASCAR is no coincidence, as this US-rooted championship celebrating its 75th anniversary this year is arguably the most conservative in the world!
Naturally associated with roaring V8 engines, NASCAR could soon embrace electrification. This shift is symbolized by the electric prototype developed by ABB, showcased during last year’s Chicago race. Equipped with a 78 kWh battery and regenerative braking system, this car offers an autonomy suitable for certain circuits and could mark a turning point for the sport, aligning with the global rise of electric vehicles.
The world is not yet ready
However, despite this momentum, NASCAR is not ready to abandon its internal combustion engines. While electric prototypes are attracting attention and the electrification of races is a growing topic of discussion, NASCAR officials reiterate that there are no immediate plans to switch to 100% electric competitions. The electrification of racing, although considered, still seems distant.
But if we take a moment to reflect on the rapid evolution of electric vehicles over the past decade, it becomes difficult to predict the future with certainty. Just a few years ago, no one would have imagined the number of electric cars now circulating in our streets, nor their impressive performance in terms of range and charging times. The mobility world is changing quickly, and who knows what the future holds? It is quite likely that, even if motorsport is not fully electric tomorrow, electrification will continue to make its way into paddocks, at a pace that, although still modest, keeps growing.
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