Last summer, NASCAR unveiled an EV prototype sporting a generic CUV body (created in an exercise with the series’ manufacturers) to explore the potential future of the stock car sport. Now we’re getting a first look at what a manufacturer-specific version might look like with Ford’s launch of its Mustang Mach-E NASCAR EV prototype.
The American automaker sees the prototype as an opportunity to educate NASCAR about electric power by adapting the Mustang Mach-E to the NASCAR BEV prototype platform. It's based on the NASCAR Next Gen architecture and features a modified version of the chassis that is used for the Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series. Height was added to the center section of the chassis to better replicate the crossover look, while steel panels typically located in the center section of the vehicle — like the firewall and floors — have been replaced with carbon fiber for weight reduction. The Mach-E demonstrator also borrows many components from the current Cup Series car including suspension, brakes, steering, and wheels. While the 18-inch BBS wheels are carried over directly from the Cup car, the Goodyear tires are customized for the power characteristics and weight of an EV.
