A lack of engine noise is one of the defining traits of electric vehicles, but in motorsports, that silence presents a real challenge.
This is especially true for NASCAR, a series long associated with the roar of V-8 engines as they power cars around oval tracks. The absence of that familiar sound could be a major drawback when trying to maintain the excitement of its audience.
Ford continues exploring ways to inject more excitement into electric racing and has now introduced a new electric NASCAR prototype built on the Mustang Mach-E platform.
This isn’t the first time an electric NASCAR prototype has made an appearance in recent years. In 2024, NASCAR itself showcased an electric prototype equipped with three motors delivering more than 1300 horsepower to all four wheels.
Although Ford has not disclosed performance figures for its own prototype, expectations are high given the staggering numbers from previous Blue Oval EV demonstrators.
Ford’s High-Powered Electric Racing Vision
The tri-motor system in the Mach-E prototype could easily surpass 1500 horsepower. Several components, including the suspension, brakes, steering rack, and wheels, are borrowed from Ford’s current NASCAR Cup car.
The structure features the same center-section chassis as the Next Gen Cup car, housing a 78.0-kWh battery pack. To reduce weight, the firewall, body panels, and floor are constructed from carbon fiber.
Alongside the NASCAR prototype, Ford also introduced another new EV Demonstrator based on the Mach-E. Full details remain under wraps, but a teaser image highlights an aggressive wing and wide fenders that seem substantial enough to fit a house number on them.
The 2024 Supertruck demonstrator generates more than 6000 pounds of downforce, thanks to its massive wing and curved diffuser. Ford has not shared performance specifications, but considering the brand’s track record with high-performance EVs, this Mach-E is expected to impress.
Chasing Records at Pikes Peak
For the third consecutive year, Ford will send an EV demonstrator to Pikes Peak, aiming for the Open Class competition record. Romain Dumas will be behind the wheel of the Mach-E, just as he was for last year’s Supertruck and 2023’s Supervan 4.2.
Dumas remains the current record holder for the fastest ascent of Pikes Peak, setting a time of 7:57.148 in 2018 with the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak.
More recently, he established the open division record in 2023 with the Supervan 4.2, completing the climb in 8:47.682—a benchmark he couldn’t surpass with the Supertruck in 2024.
Ford and Dumas are expected to make another attempt at setting a new record with the Mach-E in 2025. Whether electric vehicles are on your radar or not, watching Dumas push the limits with these high-powered machines remains an exhilarating spectacle.
