Wrightbus unveils prototype bus with kinetic recovery system

A prototype vehicle will be on display which has been fitted with the Flybrid KERS, which uses a high-speed flywheel to capture kinetic energy and decelerate a bus. The stored energy is then transferred mechanically back to the wheels and used to accelerate the vehicle, reducing the required engine power. The project is a collaboration between Wrightbus, Flybrid Automotive, Arriva, Voith DIWA Transmissions and Productiv. It is partially funded by Innovate UK (formerly known as the Technology Strategy Board). The Flybrid unit is fitted parallel to the transmission on the driveline and is linked to the rear axle by an additional prop shaft. Testing has already taken place at Flybrid's Siverstone facility and in-service trials with Arriva will begin in the autumn, at which point Wrightbus will specify 25 more pre-series vehicles with Flybrid units, with production expected to start before the end of 2015. The unit will also be available as a retrofit option for StreetLite buses. Dr Andrew Simpson, who has been leading the KERS project at Wrightbus says: "The in-service trials with Arriva are the next phase of the testing programme. Results to date have been very encouraging, although we are yet to fully realise the 15% fuel saving which we are targeting to allow us to achieve a five-year payback on the likely incremental cost."