Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

Ford Unveils NASCAR-Ready Mach-E Concept

The Ford Mustang Mach-e NASCAR prototype | Photo: Ford
Obtain the best financial rate for your car loan at Automobile En DirectSpeedy
Daniel Rufiange
Ford and NASCAR have both made clear they see electrification playing a role in the series going forward.

Ford yesterday unveiled a Mach-E prototype designed for the American NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) racing series.

There are, to observant eyes, differences with the electric SUV found at Ford dealers. In fact, while the model has been built to resemble a Ford Mustang Mach-E, it's assembled around a carbon-fibre chassis with components taken from a real NASCAR car, including suspension, brakes, steering and wheels.

Recall that in 2023, NASCAR unveiled its own race-ready electric SUV concept, but it didn't look like any particular vehicle sold on the market. The two concepts have several things in common, however, including a three-motor configuration and a 78-kWh battery pack.

The Ford Mustang Mach-e NASCAR, in profile
The Ford Mustang Mach-e NASCAR, in profile | Photo: Ford

Ford made no mention of these similarities in its press release. In 2020, Ford presented a Mach-E with seven motors and a total output of 1,400 hp to demonstrate the performance potential of electric powertrains.

As for the similarities between race cars and street cars, those days are long gone. The models are designed to resemble the production car, but they feature bespoke bodywork and design.

The Ford Mustang Mach-e NASCAR, rear
The Ford Mustang Mach-e NASCAR, rear | Photo: Ford

The model's appearance has fuelled discussion, as it provides a glimpse of how manufacturers and managers of various racing series see the future, with a role for electrification. Hardcore NASCAR fans might not want anything to do with an electric racing series, but NASCAR is certainly thinking about its future and the next generation of racing fans... who will possibly own an electric vehicle.

In 2022, NASCAR hinted at a possible parallel electric series, though nothing further came of that.
It’s possible the racing series has been working behind the scenes with Ford. As it happens, the Mach-E prototype shown by Ford was driven by former NASCAR driver David Ragan.

It's definitely something to keep an eye on. We don't expect racing series to swap combustion engines for electric propulsion any time soon, but as we've seen with the series featuring Jaguar I-Paces, as well as Formula E, parallel series are possible, paving the way for an all-electric future for motor racing... one day.

The Ford Mustang Mach-e NASCAR, on the track
The Ford Mustang Mach-e NASCAR, on the track | Photo: Ford
The Ford Mustang Mach-e NASCAR, front
The Ford Mustang Mach-e NASCAR, front | Photo: Ford
Daniel Rufiange
Daniel Rufiange
Automotive expert
  • Over 17 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 75 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 250 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists