Electric vehicles are widely understood to be less mechanically complex than combustion vehicles with engines and transmissions, yet there should be no illusion that electric technology is simple or does not require additional research and development to further enhance performance and reduce costs.
That is why the announcement this week from ABB and NASCAR about their Electrification Innovation Partnership is notable. The companies plan to explore high-performance electric racing and create strategic opportunities for electrification in the sport, including race vehicles, electrification infrastructure, and energy education.
This multi-pronged effort is important because of the expectation that the learnings will migrate to the general public and every-day vehicles similar to how other technologies have made the leap, including carbon, disc brakes, independent suspensions, push-button ignitions, and even the rear-view mirror.
At the center of the partnership launch is the new ABB NASCAR EV Prototype, developed by the NASCAR Research and Development Center in collaboration with developed in collaboration with NASCAR’s OEM partners – Chevrolet, Ford Motor Company, and Toyota Motor Corporation. Anchored by a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery, the tunable powertrain can produce 1,000 kW at peak power. According to ABB Executive Vice President Ralph Donati, “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.”
I invite you to contact EV Advisors to learn more about how electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure can help your business today.