Helix, UK manufacturer of the world’s most power-dense electric motors and inverters, is marking the 25th anniversary of the foundation of Integral Powertrain (IP) in 1998.
Shenley Technical Centre, UK, 24 March 2023 – The Helix brand, introduced last year, builds on the company’s world-class heritage and almost 15 years in electric motor and inverter design as it powers forwards into the next quarter century.
Representing significant investment, the recently opened Shenley Technical Centre sits at the centre of Helix’s commitment to becoming a global electric propulsion powerhouse, a commitment that includes international facilities. Helix is targeting emerging requirements in sectors including aerospace, marine and commercial and off-highway vehicles, while continuing to serve its traditional high-end automotive and motorsport markets.
The Helix brand embodies the company’s unique motor and inverter offer, based on Scalable Core Technology that defines three levels of electric propulsion unit application, all suited to full-scale production. Scalable Core Technology includes bespoke manufacturing techniques, designed and implemented in house.
Integral Powertrain was established in 1998 as an automotive and motorsport engineering consultancy. Globally recognised for its excellence, from 2009 it developed a manufacturing capability suitable for short production runs of motors and inverters. Its technology helped power the world’s pioneering hybrid-electric hypercars, defining a level of excellence and performance upon which Helix, today a manufacturer and engineering consultancy, continues to build, without forgetting the disruptive spirit of the past. That spirit remains in X-Division, where Helix engineers work the possibilities of tomorrow’s technology.
Chief Technical Officer Andy Cross joined IP in 2000 and has seen its Integral e-Drive division transformed into Helix. Considering the 25th anniversary and Helix brand, he says: “For me it’s all about the shift from consultancy to product-focused company. It’s the clarification of a journey we’ve been on for more than a decade and I’m super excited to see us strengthening the brand and targeting new sectors.”
The unmatched power density of Helix machines, proven in tough track and hypercar applications, where high duty cycles and robust performance are essential for success, is helping designers and OEMs realise new opportunities in markets far removed from IP’s reach 25 years ago. Helix offers full scale motor and inverter manufacturing capability based on almost 15 years in high-end electric propulsion system engineering. It is uniquely qualified to satisfy the burgeoning global demand for high-performance, power-dense electric motor technology.
Darren Cairns, Helix Director and CEO, says: “Electrification is so exciting and so fast developing. I don’t think anyone anticipated it would grow at the rate it has, but Helix is perfectly placed in the market. We have never had such a strong order book or so strong a pipeline for new business. We are ready and we intend to own this space.”
About Helix
Helix engineers and manufacturers the world’s most power-dense motors and complementary inverters for demanding aerospace, automotive, industrial, marine and racing applications. Its unique Scalable Core Technology and Flexible Manufacturing Facility ensure straightforward access to the most powerful, compact, efficient electric powertrains on the market. Scalable Core Technology is delivered through three strategic Product Levels, while the cycle of electric innovation begun by Integral Powertrain’s founders almost 15 years ago continues with X-Division, an advanced technology development group.
Helix was launched out of Integral Powertrain’s Integral e-Drive division as a new corporate brand in 2022. Including a new website and logo, Helix aligns with the strategic transformation from consultant to full-service supplier of premium electric powertrains and marks another major milestone in the evolution of the organisation. Helix is investing and gearing up as a technology-driven global company, targeting new markets and sectors.