Whilst KERS (Kinetic Energy Regeneration System) is best known as a way that was previously used to boost power for Formula 1, it hasn’t yet been harnessed for a road car. Until now. Volvo is trialing some new technology that in theory adds 80hp performance boost while cutting fuel consumption by up to 25% – surely everyone is a winner!
The research forms part of Volvo’s continued Drive-E Powertrain research and development programme, which demands no compromise between performance and efficiency. Just like its recently launched D4 engines, which combine 181hp performance with CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km, the Flybrid KERS tests deliver similarly impressive results and confirm that it is a lightweight, financially viable and very efficient solution.
The system is the first full-scale trial of a rear-axle mounted flywheel system in a front-wheel-drive passenger car and is the result of a partnership between Flybrid, Volvo and the Swedish government. Flybrid Automotive founder Jon Hilton, now Commercial Director of Torotrak plc following Flybrid’s acquisition by the Group in 2014, is pleased to support Volvo’s UK testing: “This car is a great demonstration of how close to market this technology could be, and how class-leading fuel efficiency can be combined with real performance and driver enjoyment.”
So, could this be the technology of the future? Well, for my money, I’d suggest that we’ll be looking at a range of solutions to provide performance whilst lowering emissions and increasing economy. Stop/Start, DPF, TwinAir and more are all part of the solution.
Leave a Reply