The NASCAR EV crossover prototype dropped cover last weekend, setting off intense conversation about the sport’s future with electric race cars. One of the more vocal experts speaking out against the electric race car is Kevin Harvick, former Ford driver and 2014 Cup Series champion. He took to his podcast to share his thoughts, and he thinks that there’s no place for an electric vehicle in NASCAR.
In Episode 41 of Happy Hour, Harvick decries the NASCAR EV project, essentially saying that it’s a massive waste of time for the sport. He says that he thinks politics are at the heart of the sport’s decision to develop an electric race car, and that pressure from the manufacturers – Ford, Chevy, and Toyota – prompted NASCAR to accelerate the program.
Now that consumer demand for roadgoing EVs has dropped off, Harvick says that he doesn’t think the manufacturers are pushing very hard to electrify NASCAR racing. In fact, Ford Performance ratcheted back its ambitious plans for EV racing back in late 2022. But that leaves the sport in a bit of a lurch. With such a large investment in the project, NASCAR had no choice but to finish it, but now, it’s “stuck” with a project that’s probably dead in the water, and one that fans aren’t fond of.
“There’s really nothing about a race car that doesn’t make noise that has any excitement for me,” Harvick says. “There is no future for NASCAR electric vehicle racing. If it does not make noise and smell like it’s burning gas, there is no freakin’ way.”
He acknowledges that NASCAR EV race car could draw attention overseas and attract foreign manufacturers (aside from Toyota) to consider competing in the sport, but he doesn’t see it being successful stateside, particularly where range is concerned. Harvick says that he purchased a Ford F-150 Lightning for himself just to see what all the fuss was about, but he’s disappointed in the range and is already considering getting rid of it – and that, in his opinion, just doesn’t bode well for the NASCAR EV.
Listen to Harvick’s discussion about the NASCAR EV in the video below, starting around the 35-minute mark.
Subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford racing news, NASCAR news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
Makes ZERO sense to have an Electric race car!!
First car to run out of power wins!
Would be like watching grass grow.
Next…solar powered race cars.
Another naysayer! You will accept electric car racing or get left behind in you own dirty exhaust
EV nerds may accept it, the general public that likes vehicles that have a soul, will not.
I don’t believe Joe understands your sarcasm😉
I agree with Harvick. They have little to no place in motorsports. Watching Indycar trying to qualify in Iowa was a mess with the hybrid yesterday.
A pure EV series dedicated to development and new technology is one thing. But we all know this is being pushed for a reason. Unlock free energy and you may have something to go with.
Harvick and the other skeptics are wrong. EVs are coming whether we like them or not. NASCAR is smart enough to figure out how to get them to make some noise.
He is ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!!!
Get tid of the SUPER ANNOYING POP UP ADS!!
Mr Harvick is on target. NOBODY is interested in seeing electric shavers buzzing around an oval.