The debate surrounding the integration of electric vehicles (EV) into NASCAR has intensified since the launch of the Next-Gen cars. Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion, recently shared his perspective on the Ryan Blaney NASCAR EV future, expressing skepticism about electric cars replacing traditional Cup Series vehicles anytime soon.

NASCAR’s research and development division has already created an EV race car, which was showcased last season and is scheduled to make a formal debut during this year’s Chicago race weekend. At the event, Chevy, Ford, and NASCAR-developed electric cars will participate in a 20-lap exhibition run. Despite these advancements, Blaney believes such vehicles will not significantly transform the sport in the foreseeable future.

Introduction of NASCAR’s Electric Vehicle Exhibition at Chicago

On the morning of the Chicago street race, NASCAR will host an exhibition featuring electric NASCAR vehicles running simultaneously for approximately 20 minutes. Drivers David Ragan will pilot the Ford EV, Rajah Caruth the Chevy, and Brent Crews will handle the original NASCAR-built electric car, which is not specific to Toyota. NASCAR refers to this event as “exhibition track laps,” offering fans a glimpse of the EV technology in a race setting.

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

Ryan Blaney’s Perspective on EV Cars in NASCAR’s Future

During a recent appearance on the Team Blaney Podcast, the Team Penske Racing driver shared his viewpoint on the future role of EVs in NASCAR’s premier division. Blaney conveyed that while EV cars are distinctive and offer limited downsides, the sport’s core racing market is not yet prepared for a full transition from traditional combustion engines to electric. He was emphatic in stating that EV cars will not replace the current Cup Series vehicles within his lifetime.

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… I think they’re unique. They’re neat. I don’t see a downside.
Ryan Blaney said via Team Blaney Podcast.

Blaney acknowledged the uniqueness of the EV cars but stressed that the current balance between electric and gasoline-powered vehicles is crucial. Manufacturers are showcasing their electric capabilities, but a wholesale switch to EV in top-level NASCAR racing is still a distant prospect. Instead, hybrid models may represent the next evolutionary step, following trends seen in other racing series like Formula 1.

Like, who cares that each manufacturer has one? It’s something that they can kind of show off and throw out there. They’re trying to balance the electric and gas-powered vehicles. You have to balance that out. So, I get their desire to want to have a race car. A Cup [Series] car like that.
Ryan Blaney added.

Insights from David Ragan on NASCAR’s EV Endeavors

David Ragan, a part-time driver actively involved in testing NASCAR’s EV car, has been instrumental in the project and will also participate in the electric car exhibition in Chicago. Ragan emphasized that NASCAR and automakers are responding to increasing consumer interest in electric vehicles through these demonstration runs.

As the consumers start to buy more EVs, I think NASCAR sees a demand that the consumers want to see that car racing on the racetrack. And it is still a stock car series…. I see manufacturers coming out with new models and some pretty cars that they plan on selling a lot of in the future.
David Ragan said.

According to Ragan, the collaboration between NASCAR and manufacturers aims to explore what a deeper involvement of EVs in the sport might look like, thereby supporting the industry’s growth. He also anticipates substantial growth in the number of NASCAR EV race cars in the coming five years, suggesting this will have a significant impact on the sport’s trajectory.

So, it’s only appropriate that NASCAR learns what that might look like to help the manufacturers out. NASCAR certainly couldn’t do any kind of a series if it wasn’t for the manufacturer support… There are more EVs that are driven to NASCAR races today than there were five years ago, and I would think in five more years, there’s going to be a lot more.
David Ragan added.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation in NASCAR’s Future

The perspectives of Blaney and Ragan illustrate a complex dynamic regarding the integration of EV technology in NASCAR’s top-tier competitions. While there is clear enthusiasm for showcasing electric cars as a symbol of innovation and consumer relevance, widespread replacement of gas-powered Cup Series cars remains unlikely in the near term. NASCAR, similar to many motorsport disciplines, may be moving toward a hybrid era that blends combustion engines with electric powertrains, reflecting broader automotive trends.

As manufacturers continue to develop and promote electric racing vehicles, the sport’s willingness to adapt will depend heavily on consumer demand and technical feasibility. The Chicago exhibition represents a milestone in EV exposure within NASCAR, but it also highlights that the sport is cautiously navigating the balance between tradition and the evolving automotive landscape.