Estonian CleanTech scale-up Skeleton Technologies is no newcomer to energy innovations. The company, primarily known for its supercapacitors, uses patented curved graphene technology that allows for significantly higher power and energy density. This makes them ideal for applications such as transportation, industrial machinery, and grid stabilisation. And now racing joins the list.
Skeleton Technologies is now powering the new hybrid system in the IndyCar racing series, the highest class of American open-wheel car racing. Their high-performance supercapacitors are now integrated into the NTT IndyCar Series innovative Energy Recovery System (ERS). This technology made its debut at the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio on July 7th.
The ERS’s innovative design captures energy typically lost during braking, efficiently storing it in supercapacitors. Drivers can then manually deploy this stored energy, providing a powerful boost during crucial moments, such as overtaking.
David Arsenault, Senior Vice-President of Business Development at Skeleton Technologies, says: “We are excited to collaborate with Honda Racing Corporation USA and play a pivotal role in this ground-breaking development in the NTT IndyCar Series. Motorsports are more than just about speed, precision and a thrilling spectacle. They set a standard for technological innovation in the automotive industry. This collaboration with HRC US and other industry leaders highlights our commitment to advancing energy storage technology and pushing the boundaries of performance in motorsports. We now look forward to continuing our partnership with HRC USA and contributing to the evolution of hybrid racing technology.”
This new technology ushers in an electrified hybrid era for yet another sector, traditionally believed to be unattainable for CleanTech. Using advanced supercapacitor technology, the Energy Recovery System (ERS) optimises energy capture and deployment, providing a significant performance boost while preserving the traditional powertrain’s design and footprint.
David Salters, President of Honda Racing Corporation USA, adds, “We are also particularly glad we executed this project in a short time. There are many other promising technologies that Skeleton is working on, so we are looking forward to continuing this collaboration and innovate further together.”
The Energy Storage System comprises 20 supercapacitors developed and supplied by Skeleton Technologies. These supercapacitors were specifically chosen for their unparalleled ability to capture and deploy energy rapidly, which is crucial in high-speed racing environments. The ESS can fully charge and discharge in approximately 4.5 seconds, providing drivers with an additional 60 horsepower to enhance their performance on the track.
There are other benefits. The system’s ability to start or restart the car autonomously without external assistance reduces race interruptions and minimizes the risks associated with trackside assistance. This hypothesis has already been put to the test — the feature prevented a caution in the closing stages of the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio when a driver was able to restart his car using the hybrid system, instead of waiting for the safety team to arrive.
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