GKN has put plans to offer the Gyrodrive high speed electric flywheel system as a retrofit fit in buses on hold although the company is continuing to look at other applications for the technology and around 30 prototype installations in buses continue to operate around the country. The introduction of Euro 6 and the relatively low price of diesel are sighted as factors in the decision.
GKN acquired the Gyrodrive technology when it bought Williams Hybrid Power from Williams Grand Prix Engineering Ltd in 2014. A dedicated division, GKN Hybrid Power based in Oxfordshire was created at that time and Alexander Dennis became a business partner although the development of the technology for other markets including trams, construction and agricultural equipment were also seen as key objectives.
The deal announced two years ago with Go-Ahead Group for 500 electric flywheel systems has not been progressed.
CBW respected GKN’s request to verify the story but the firm chose not to respond as this issue went to press.
