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NASCAR’s Future: Introducing the Mustang Mach-E EV Prototype
Last summer, NASCAR presented an electric vehicle (EV) prototype featuring a generic crossover utility vehicle (CUV) design developed with input from its manufacturers. This initiative aims to explore the potential evolution of stock car racing into the realm of electric performance. Recently, Ford has introduced its Mustang Mach-E NASCAR EV prototype, offering a glimpse into what a manufacturer-specific electric racer could resemble.
Ford regards this prototype as an educational tool for NASCAR, showcasing electric power capabilities by adapting the Mustang Mach-E to the NASCAR Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) prototype platform. This design aligns with the NASCAR Next Gen architecture while incorporating modifications to enhance the crossover aesthetic. For instance, the center section of the chassis has been elevated, and traditional steel components such as the firewall and floors have been replaced with lightweight carbon fiber to reduce overall weight. Many elements from the existing Cup Series car have been retained, including components like suspension, brakes, steering, and wheels. The prototype features 18-inch BBS wheels directly inherited from the current Cup car, while the Goodyear tires are specially tailored to accommodate the unique power and weight characteristics of an electric vehicle.
Photo by: Ford Performance
Weighing in at just over 4,000 pounds, the Mach-E prototype is approximately 500 pounds heavier than the traditional Cup Series Mustang. In response to this weight, Ford has integrated three Stard electric motors—one at the front and two at the rear—working in tandem through two gearboxes. Together, these motors can unleash a staggering maximum system output of 1,360 horsepower at 15,000 RPM in qualifying mode, with a reduced race mode output of up to 816 horsepower.
The vehicle is powered by a 78 kWh battery pack featuring glycol cooling to maintain optimal operating temperatures at 756 volts. The battery, composed of stacked pouch cells, is conveniently housed on the passenger side, enabling easy removal from beneath the vehicle during servicing. Despite the centralized battery location, the weight distribution is carefully calibrated to mimic that of the NASCAR Cup cars, ensuring the vehicle retains a balanced performance on the track.
Photo by: Ford Performance
While the chassis components are carried over from the initial NASCAR BEV prototype, the bodywork is specifically tailored for the Mustang Mach-E, developed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques to mirror the production vehicle’s design. The previous NASCAR prototype utilized a flax composite body, whereas the Mach-E prototype features a more conventional carbon fiber composite structure.
Ford has already begun testing the Mach-E prototype in various configurations, including road course performance at Carolina Motorsports Park and oval racing at Martinsville Speedway. The shared suspension components with the NASCAR Next Gen car facilitate adaptations across different track types. However, according to Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance, the primary focus of this initiative is to educate the public about electric racing.
Photo by: Ford Performance
“The start of that project goes back several years, echoing the spirit of our earlier work with the CobraJet in NHRA,” Rushbrook shared with Motorsport.com. “It encompasses both learning about electric technology in motorsport and presenting that technology to fans and potential customers, gauging their reactions as we progress.”
While Ford has not outlined a specific debut plan for the Mach-E prototype, it has indicated that the vehicle will be utilized for demonstration runs and will join the company’s fleet of demonstrators, alongside innovative vehicles such as the SuperTruck and SuperVan, which have been showcased at events globally.
Photo by: Ford Performance
What’s Next for Electric Racing?
As the motorsport landscape undergoes significant transformation, the introduction of the Mustang Mach-E NASCAR prototype marks a pivotal step toward the integration of electric vehicles in racing. This prototype not only represents Ford’s commitment to innovation but also signifies a broader trend as racing organizations and manufacturers increasingly look to embrace sustainability without sacrificing performance.
This initiative could pave the way for a new era in motorsport, blending cutting-edge technology with traditional racing excitement as enthusiasts and spectators alike eagerly anticipate the future of electric racing.
Source
www.motorsport.com