Development of Hybrid System for Formula One

In 2009, the regulations for the Formula One World Championship were amended to allow the use of kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS). The new regulations stipulated that the KERS drive shaft be limited to the rear wheels, that output should be no more than 60 kW, and that the amount of energy used per lap be no more than 400 kJ. Honda had been conducting R&D in this area since the summer of 2007, and had developed a high speed, high output, direct oil-cooled motor, a water-cooled power control unit (PCU) which integrated a motor drive inverter unit and voltage control system, as well as a high power density lithium ion battery, all based on being small and lightweight enough for Formula One characteristics. This system was first used to drive on straight roads in April 2008, and in May of that year Honda beat out other teams to conduct the world’s first driving tests in an actual vehicle at the Silverstone Circuit, where the technology’s superiority and high level of safety were proven. * Automobile R&D Center