Author: Andrew Smethurst

EMPEL Systems Supports Shell’s Triple 10 Challenge to Advance Next-Generation EV Performance

Posted on | by Andrew Smethurst

EMPEL Systems, a UK-based leader in electric propulsion technologies, has confirmed its involvement in Shell’s Triple 10 Challenge – a strategic co-engineering initiative focused on pushing the boundaries of battery electric vehicle (BEV) performance.

Announced at an industry event in London, the Triple 10 Challenge sets out to demonstrate three ambitious benchmarks within a single concept vehicle:

  • Charge faster: sub-10-minute charging.
  • Go further: 10 km/kWh efficiency.
  • Drive cleaner: 10-tonne lifecycle CO₂ footprint.

The programme represents a collaborative “moonshot” approach to next-generation mobility, bringing together a strong base of industry partners to accelerate innovation in thermal management, system efficiency, and integrated vehicle performance.

EMPEL Systems contributed to the announcement through participation in a fireside panel discussion, highlighting the importance of cross-industry collaboration in overcoming the technical challenges associated with high-performance electrification.

Jason King, Co-Founder and Director of EMPEL Systems, commented: “Achieving step-change improvements in electric vehicle performance requires a fundamentally integrated approach to engineering. Initiatives such as the Triple 10 Challenge demonstrate what is possible when leading organisations collaborate across disciplines to address efficiency, charging, and sustainability simultaneously. We are pleased to be part of this important industry conversation and look forward to supporting the next phase of development.”

The collaboration builds on ongoing industry momentum in thermal management and co-engineering, areas that are increasingly critical to unlocking higher efficiency, faster charging, and improved lifecycle performance in electric vehicles.

Further details of the concept vehicle and the full list of partners can be found on Shell’s project website:
https://www.shell.com/business-customers/industrial-lubricants-and-specialty-fluids-for-business/thermal-management-for-evs.html, with more to be revealed at the official unveiling in June 2026.

EMPEL Systems Celebrates Industry Recognition as INDYCAR Hybrid Team Wins 2025 Louis Schwitzer Award

Posted on | by Andrew Smethurst

EMPEL Systems, a UK-based leader in electric propulsion technologies, is proud to announce its role in the collaborative development of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES hybrid power unit, which has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Louis Schwitzer Award. Presented by the Indiana Section of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and BorgWarner, the award recognises innovative engineering excellence and ingenuity in race car design.

The INDYCAR Hybrid Power Unit, which debuted in competition at the 2024 Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, represents a milestone in the evolution of racing technology. Developed in collaboration with Chevrolet, Honda, and a select group of engineering partners, the hybrid unit seamlessly integrates a low-voltage (48V) energy recovery system with the existing 2.2-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This allows drivers to regenerate and deploy energy throughout the lap, enhancing performance while improving efficiency and sustainability.

EMPEL Systems played the lead role in the complete design and manufacturing of the ultra-compact 48V electric motor (MGU) and power electronics motor control systems (inverter, MCU) as well as the advanced software control and diagnostics systems. The Indycar Hybrid MGU directly leveraged EMPEL’s state-of-the-art EMx motor and LIGHTNING multi-phase inverter technologies, which are expected to enter series production for several Automotive and non-Automotive high-performance applications in the 2026-27 model years, being produced from EMPEL’s 40,000 units per year factory in Milton-Keynes, UK.

John Martin, Co-Founder and Director of EMPEL Systems, commented: “We are honoured to be part of the team recognised with the Louis Schwitzer Award. The hybrid power unit represents a new chapter in motorsport, combining performance and efficiency without compromise. Our teams experience included Formula One, Formula E and Le Mans prototypes, all with high performance goals, but our collaboration with Indycar, HRC, Chevrolet and Ilmor Engineering to deliver a state-of-the-art system for not just a few teams but the complete 28 car Indycar grid every race weekend has been a tremendous challenge not purely for performance, but in terms of ensuring identical homologation of that performance in each unit, our manufacturing processes, quality management, logistics and customer support. EMPEL’s contribution reflects our commitment to driving technological advancement in electric mobility, from advanced road cars to the most competitive motorsport series in the world.”

The Louis Schwitzer Award is named after the Indianapolis 500 pioneer who won the first race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909 and later contributed extensively to automotive engineering. The award celebrates designs that demonstrate outstanding innovation, competitive potential, and application of engineering principles.

This recognition further establishes EMPEL Systems as a trusted partner in high-performance electrification and underscores the company’s growing reputation for technical excellence across automotive and motorsport sectors.