Next-Gen IndyCar Engines Get Electric Boost

The American IndyCar Series plans to introduce a hybrid powertrain system for the 2022 season.

The electric system will be teamed with a new 800-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged V-6 engine. Drivers will be able to activate the electric assist and a temporary increase in turbo boost pressure to produce more than 900 hp for 200 seconds per race.

The current 2.2-liter twin-turbo V-6 IndyCar engines, which are supplied by Chevrolet and Honda, can generate as much as 700 hp. The two carmakers—and possibly a third—also will supply the 2.4-liter mills.

The hybrid technology will consist of a multi-phase motor, inverter and electric storage device that will enable energy recovery from a car’s braking system. The system will eliminate the need for external engine starters, which IndyCar notes will allow drivers to restart stalled vehicles directly from the cockpit.

Adding the hybrid system pushes the introduction of the new engines back a year from the previous 2021 implementation plan. A new chassis also will be launched in 2022.

The top-tier NTT IndyCar circuit features 17 races, including the legendary Indianapolis 500.