Volvo tests flywheel KERS technology

Results show fuel savings of up to 25%

Volvo's kinetic flywheel technology, combined with a 4-cylinder turbo engine, has the potential to offer fuel savings of up to 25%, compared with a 6-cylinder turbo engine at a comparable performance level, according to test results published by the automaker. Under the test, the automaker fitted the Flywheel Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) to the rear axle of the Volvo S60. Using KERS, when the vehicle slows down, the braking energy prompts the flywheel to spin at 60,000rpm and, as the vehicle starts to move again, the flywheel rotation is transferred to the rear wheel through transmission. While the combustion engine drives the front wheels, it switches off as soon as the brakes are applied, and the energy is stored in the flywheel before being applied again during acceleration or to power the vehicle once it reaches cruising speed. The total energy of both flywheel and combustion engine are said to offer the vehicle an extra 80hp. The Volvo S60 is able to accelerate from zero to 100kph in just 5.5 second