Wiktor Wise
IndyCar racing has been a staple of the automotive industry for over a century, with the first race taking place at The Brickyard in 1911. While the cars of today are unrecognisable from those early models, the question of whether IndyCar will go electric remains a hotly debated topic. With the world moving towards electric vehicles and sustainability, it's natural to wonder when this racing series will follow suit. While IndyCar has introduced a hybrid system, utilising both internal combustion engines and electric motors, there are currently no plans to transition to a fully electric model.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current status of electric Indy IndyCar | IndyCar has introduced a hybrid system, but there are no plans to transition to a full EV route |
| Engine suppliers | Chevrolet and Honda |
| Hybrid system | 60bhp, with scope for increasing output in the future |
| Hybrid system control | McLaren Applied ECU |
| Hybrid system development | Honda |
| Hybrid system testing | Validation tests conducted at the end of January 2024 with production-spec parts and software |
| Hybrid system debut | Mid-Ohio |
| Hybrid system power output | The hybrid system sits independently of the engine and provides only extra power |
| Hybrid system energy storage | 20 supercapacitors |
| Hybrid system energy deployment | Motor Generator Unit (MGU) designed and manufactured by Empel Systems |
| Hybrid system energy use | Harnesses braking energy that is stored electrically and can be deployed at will by drivers to provide an extra boost of power |
| Previous engine suppliers | McLaren, Motorola, Denso, Zytek |
| Engine characteristics | Rev-limited to 10,300 rpm, approximately 650 hp, dual overhead camshaft configuration with four valves per cylinder |
| Engine fuel | Methanol racing fuel |
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What You'll Learn
IndyCar's electrical hybrid system
IndyCar has introduced a new electrical hybrid system, marking a new era in the IndyCar Series. The hybrid system is a collaborative effort between Chevrolet and Honda, with McLaren supplying the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The current maximum output of the hybrid system is 60bhp, but there is potential for this to be upgraded in the future.
The IndyCar hybrid system differs from those used in sports cars. In sports cars, the overall power output of the combustion engine and hybrid unit is limited, but in the IndyCar system, the hybrid unit operates independently of the engine and provides only extra power. The hybrid system in IndyCar has control over a wide range of functions in the car, and the deployment strategies implemented by teams are likely to be complex.
The IndyCar hybrid system consists of a 48V Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and a 320 Kilojoules-per-lap supercapacitor Energy Storage System (ESS). These two components, along with a DC/DC converter and a Voltage Control Device, make up the Energy Recovery System (ERS). The ERS weighs 42.5 kilograms and is mounted inside a new Dallara-built magnesium bellhousing.
The introduction of the hybrid system was initially planned for earlier but was delayed until after the Indianapolis 500 in May 2024 to allow for additional testing and to ensure the system's reliability and safety. Despite the introduction of this hybrid system, IndyCar has stated that it does not plan to transition to a fully electric series in the future, instead focusing on the potential of hybrid systems.
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Formula E
While IndyCar Series racing has not gone fully electric, it has introduced a hybrid system. This system, developed by Chevrolet and Honda, produces 60bhp and harnesses braking energy that would otherwise be wasted. This energy is stored electrically by 20 supercapacitors and can be deployed at will by drivers, giving them an extra boost of power.
IndyCar Series president Jay Frye has stated that the series will not be going down a fully electric route in the future, instead focusing on a hybrid system based around an internal combustion engine. Frye pointed to Formula E as an example of an all-electric open-wheel series that has been established since 2014 and doing a "great job".
While IndyCar racing has introduced a hybrid system and pledged its electrification future to this technology, it has not ruled out the possibility of fully electric cars in the series. However, it is unlikely that we will see full electric IndyCars anytime soon, with the series focusing on the development and refinement of its hybrid system.
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Honda and Chevrolet's role
The IndyCar Series allows manufacturers to develop different types of engines, with Chevrolet and Honda being the main suppliers. Both companies have a long history of involvement in the sport. Chevrolet has been providing powerful engines for various teams since the early 20th century, while Honda has been the dominant engine manufacturer within the series since 2006.
Chevrolet's 2.2-liter V6 engine is known for its power and efficiency, producing around 700 horsepower and about 600 lb-ft of torque, using E85 ethanol fuel. The company has had successful partnerships with renowned teams like Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske. Chevrolet's commitment to innovation is underscored by its development of the twin-turbocharged 2.2-liter V6 engine, which has been a significant part of the sport.
Honda's engines, on the other hand, were only available via a lease arrangement from the company. For the 2010 full season, it cost $935,000 per season, per car. Honda engines are also known to produce approximately 650 hp and have a dual overhead camshaft configuration with four valves per cylinder. In 2009, Honda froze the Indy V8 engine development for the 2009-2011 seasons to focus on a new third-generation V6 turbo engine for the 2012 season.
Both Chevrolet and Honda have played a crucial role in the development of IndyCar's electrical hybrid system, which made its debut in 2024. The hybrid system, which produces 60bhp, was developed jointly by the two companies and is based around an internal combustion engine. It harnesses braking energy that would otherwise be wasted and stores it electrically in 20 supercapacitors. This energy can then be deployed by drivers to gain an extra boost of power during races.
Despite the development of this hybrid system, IndyCar has stated that it does not plan to transition to a full EV series in the future. Instead, it will continue to focus on the hybrid model, with Chevrolet and Honda both committed to refining their engines and developing new technologies to remain competitive in the sport.
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The future of racing
The IndyCar Series has long been associated with sophisticated machines that represent the pinnacle of internal combustion engine technology. However, with the world moving towards electrification, the series is exploring new avenues to stay relevant and environmentally conscious.
In 2024, IndyCar introduced a hybrid system, marking a significant step towards electrification. This system, developed jointly by engine suppliers Chevrolet and Honda, produces 60bhp with the potential for higher output in the future. The hybrid powertrain harnesses braking energy that would otherwise be wasted, storing it electrically in supercapacitors. This energy can then be deployed by drivers to gain an extra boost of power during races, providing added speed along straights.
While IndyCar president Jay Frye has stated that the series will not go down the fully electric route, the introduction of the hybrid system indicates a recognition of the need to evolve. The series is also exploring other avenues to reduce their environmental impact, such as the use of methanol racing fuel, which was introduced in 2007 and has become the standard in American open-wheel racing.
The transition to electric racing cars in IndyCar may take some time, with some speculating that it won't be fully electric by 2030. However, the series is committed to staying relevant and adapting to the changing automotive industry. The introduction of the hybrid system is a step in the right direction, and further electrification is likely in the future.
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Electric race cars
The hybrid system in the IndyCar Series is unique as the hybrid unit sits entirely independently of the engine, providing only extra power. The electronics are controlled by a McLaren Applied ECU, with Honda writing the hybrid software. This hybrid technology ensures that braking energy, which would otherwise be wasted, is stored electrically by 20 supercapacitors. This stored energy can then be deployed by drivers as needed, giving them a competitive advantage.
While the IndyCar Series has not committed to a fully electric fleet, they recognize the importance of electrification and are exploring hybrid solutions. This aligns with the direction of the automotive industry, which is moving towards electric and hybrid vehicles. The series president, Jay Frye, has stated that they feel "really good about the future of the hybrid" and are comfortable with their current direction.
However, some people in the industry, like Hilldebrand, have different opinions. Hilldebrand suggests that the IndyCar Series should integrate an "X-prize style" approach, welcoming electrification immediately. He believes that showcasing different technologies and innovations is the point of racing, and that the Indianapolis 500 is the perfect venue to stress-test batteries and explore new ideas.
Additionally, Team owner Mike Shank, whose car won the Indy 500 in 2021, acknowledges the inevitable shift towards electrification. He emphasizes that his team is preparing for the future, as technology advances rapidly and electrification becomes an important focus for OEMs. While the transition to electric race cars in the IndyCar Series may take time, it is clear that the industry is considering and testing these possibilities.
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Frequently asked questions
IndyCar president Jay Frye has stated that IndyCar won't be going down a full EV route anytime soon. IndyCar has pledged its electrification future to a hybrid system based on an internal combustion engine.
The hybrid system, which was developed by IndyCar's engine suppliers Chevrolet and Honda, produces 60bhp and can provide an extra boost of power during traction events.
The hybrid system was initially set to debut at the 2022 IndyCar season but was delayed to ensure the system is safe and reliable. The system is now set to debut at the 2024 Indy 500 race.
IndyCar president Jay Frye has stated that Formula E, the all-electric open-wheel series, already exists and does a great job. IndyCar feels comfortable with its hybrid system direction, which provides more variety in the international and national touring series.
