After 30,000 miles of testing in 18 months, the new IndyCar hybrid engine system will be introduced in Ohio. It signifies a unique collaboration between Chevrolet and Honda. The system introduced is aimed at enhancing overtake options for drivers for 2024 and beyond.
The system itself contains an energy storage system that contains ultra capacitors or ‘super capacitors’ and this stores the energy that is then used within the MGU, motor generator unit. It is recharged either automatically, which is done under breaking. Or Manually, which is done with a button on the driver’s wheel.
Together with the existing overtake system, it will generate 120 Horsepower which will take the entire system to over 800 horsepower. It’ll be the first time in 20 years that IndyCar has reached over 800 horsepower.
It is designed to be a driver’s tool for them to use at their discretion. Unlike the push-to-pass system that IndyCar currently has, it is not limited to 150-200 seconds throughout the race. The driver can recharge and use it whenever they want. Notably, drivers will also be able to use it in qualifying, unlike the push-to-pass system.
Another key detail of the new hybrid system is that it allows drivers to restart their cars if they get stranded. Allowing the drivers to avoid having the safety teams sent out to help. Similarly, in the way of safety, it is lower voltage, making it safer for teams working on the cars.
The project conception happened back in 2022. The really significant part of the project was the collaboration between Honda and Chevrolet. Both IndyCar manufacturers who are usually competitors on track.
Competitors to Collaborators
Indy Car President Jay Fry talked about the partnership, saying, “Chevrolet and Honda are great partners in everything they do,” going on to explain, “We have weekly meetings about all kinds of different things. So this was a whole other element to what we currently already do, or what they already currently do. But this was a unique one because this was actually with them working on something together.“
The testing process for the new IndyCar hybrid system has been long and rigorous. Involving almost 21,000 laps and 32,000 miles.
Mark Stilo, the Director of Motorsport Competition Engineering at General Motors, admitted it was ‘an interesting moment’. Stilo said, “Honda and Chevy are used to, like, trying to beat each up every weekend, and this was an opportunity for us to work collaboratively on something for the good of the sport, and for the good of the series. So I think this is a, it’s been a huge effort.”
Heading into Mid-Ohio, all 27 cars will have access to the system.
Honda and Chevrolet have also been open about how they hope the hybrid system will progress in IndyCar. They made it clear there are no intentions of creating a fully electric series. Wanting to abide by the ‘fast, loud and authentic’ nature of IndyCar.
Jay Fry said they would wait and see what the landscape looked like a few years down the road, but he doesn’t “see IndyCar becoming a full EV Series.”
Despite not making the move towards an electric series for IndyCar, it was made clear that they do want to progress the hybrid system.“It’s around 60 horsepower now. It has the potential to get more than 150-ish range. So there’ll be a natural progression over the next couple of years.”
Mid-Ohio this weekend will be the first test of the new system. No doubt fans and management are excited to see how it works in a race setting.