NASCAR EVs Rev Up: Electric Cars Set to Race in Chicago

NASCAR is about to electrify the racetrack. The upcoming street course race in Chicago will feature electric vehicle (EV) prototypes, marking a significant step in the sport’s evolution. These exhibition laps are generating buzz and speculation about the future of electric racing.

EV Exhibition Laps: What to Expect

On the morning of the Chicago street race, electric NASCAR vehicles will complete laps, providing a glimpse into the future. The electric prototypes, developed by NASCAR in collaboration with ABB last year, will run for roughly 20 minutes. These runs are officially labeled as “exhibition track laps.”

On morning of Chicago street race, electric NASCAR vehicles will do laps at the same time (for about 20 minutes). David Ragan in the Ford, Rajah Caruth in the Chevy and Brent Crews in the original NASCAR-built car (not Toyota-specific). NASCAR terming it “exhibition track laps”

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 18, 2025

David Ragan, who has been involved in the EV prototype testing, will drive the Ford vehicle during the exhibition. Rajah Caruth will pilot the Chevrolet, and Brent Crews will be behind the wheel of the original NASCAR-built car.

The Future of NASCAR: Electric Dreams or Reality?

The introduction of these EVs has prompted discussions about the potential for an all-electric racing series. Many fans and insiders have pondered whether this could eventually replace the traditional Cup Series. In a recent interview, 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney offered reassurance.

“Let me put everyone at ease. It’s not going to replace the Cup Series, like you said. It’s not going to do that. At least not in my lifetime.”

—Ryan Blaney

Blaney confirmed he has seen the EVs and expressed a desire to drive one. He views the initiative as a way for manufacturers to showcase new technology, believing it can balance the electric and gas-powered vehicles. The global EV market is projected to reach $800 billion by 2027 (Statista 2024).

NASCAR’s Strategy and Vision

NASCAR has been focused on showcasing EV technology rather than immediately launching a specific racing series. The organization’s COO, Steve O’Donnell, shared ambitions about the future of EVs within NASCAR in 2024. He highlighted the importance of demonstrating new technologies.

“What I’m most proud of and we’re all proud of with our R&D group is that they’ve been able to showcase new technologies. Maybe not necessarily race it in a series, but showcase what we can do and if we ultimately went out and created a series, we’re more than capable of doing that.”

—Steve O’Donnell

The exhibition laps are designed to demonstrate NASCAR’s capabilities. The focus is on showcasing what’s possible rather than signaling an imminent shift to an all-electric racing series. This approach allows NASCAR to explore the potential of EVs while maintaining its traditional racing format.