Monday, March 31, 2014

A Mechanical Kinetic Energy Recovery System or KERS in the new Volvo S60 T5



What exactly is KERS? KERS, or a mechanical kinetic energy recovery system, recovers a vehicle’s kinetic energy under braking. KERS is smaller and lighter than a petrol-electric hybrid system and results in similar fuel percentages as a hybrid. Maxwell Volvo has jumped on the KERS bandwagon with the prototype F1-style KERS-equipped S60 T5.


The KERS system works by capturing the lost kinetic energy from braking and sending it to a flywheel. The flywheel can capture 150 watt hours in around eight seconds. You could charge 25 new iPhones with that kind of energy!

When hitting the KERS button in the Volvo S60 T5 you will definitely get a burst of speed doing 0-60mph in about 6.07 seconds. Without KERS switched on 0-60mph is achieved in about 7.68 seconds.

The KERS system is able to produce a huge amount of thrust all from a small box of gears and clutches that weighs only 60kg. The system requires no maintenance and will last you the realistic life of your car.

Maxwell Volvo will let you know when the Prototype KERS-equipped S60 T5 will be in North Carolina!