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Swedish automakers, Volvo, have revealed their new flywheel-based hybrid KERS technology moves the hybrid game up to the next level and could help reduce fuel consumption by 25%. Volvo have teamed up with Flybrid Automotive to develop a Volvo S60 fitted with the new technology which as well as reducing fuel consumption by a quarter, the companies claim that the system also boosts power by 80 brake horse power.
Volvo's KERS technology
Unlike conventional hybrid systems used by other manufacturers like BMW and Toyota, the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) technology does not rely on batteries to store it's energy. Instead, a flywheel mounted on the rear axle captures wasted energy under braking, which is then deployed alongside the 254 brake horse power five cylinder T5 petrol engine already equipped to the S60 prototype.
With the KERS system engaged, the vehicle accelerates to 62mph from a standstill in 5.5 seconds, 1.5 seconds less than without the system. With the KERS working alongside the engine, the vehicle temporarily becomes a four wheel drive, with the petrol engine powering the front wheels and the flywheel driving the rear wheels.
Under hard acceleration, the power boost from the KERS can last for up to 10 seconds and only 8 seconds of braking fully replenishes the flywheel.
Will Volvo's KERS technology make it onto their vehicles?
While the rear drive layout of the prototype is unlikely to make it onto production models, integrating the flywheel KERS into the car's transmission is a more likely option. This will also help reduce costs and improve packaging. Although still in the early stages of development, Flybrid Automotive claims the flywheel system costs around a third of the price of producing a battery-electric hybrid. In comparison to conventional hybrid system, the flywheel KERS weighs only 60kg, which would be further reduced if the system was to be incorporated directly into the car’s transmission. The system in a battery-electric hybrid can weigh anything up to 300kg.
Initial indications suggest Volvo's new KERS technology is roughly four to five years away from making its way into the company's showroom models.