Lotus Engineering is supplying technical expertise to Oaktec in developing racing technology that exploits the performance potential of the petrol-electric Honda hybrid system. Lancashire based Oaktec, a specialist in energy efficient vehicle design, approached Lotus Engineering to investigate areas of battery and system control technology that enable maximum racing performance and efficiency from the hybrid drivetrain. The collaboration is in partnership with Energy Efficient Motorsport (EEMS), Motorsport Development and Honda UK. The project has won funding from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
The Honda IMA hybrid technology used on the Honda Civic Hybrid is ideally suited to a motorsport application and has further potential to enhance power whilst retaining high fuel efficiency. The 1339cc Civic uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to complement the hybrid-drive in race and rally conditions. This CVT enables the car to be driven at constant full power making performance very accessible, and in tandem with the hybrid system gives excellent performance and efficiency.
