Go-Ahead Group has ordered 500 Gyrodrive systems from GKN Hybrid Power.
The agreement covers the supply of the complete system including a GKN hybrid power flywheel, EVO electric motor, a GKN designed and manufactured gearbox, and installation. The technology is designed to last the life of the bus. Initial instillations will be in buses operating in London and Oxford.
The high speed flywheel is made from carbon fibre and stores the energy generated by the bus as it slows down to stop. That energy is then used to power the electric motor which helps accelerate the bus back up to speed, generating fuel savings of more than 20% at a significantly lower cost than battery hybrid alternatives.
Go-Ahead Chief Executive David Brown said: “Our collaboration with GKN has been a most constructive one. We have a strong record in continually reducing our carbon emissions and flywheel technology will help us make buses an even more environmentally responsive choice and encourage more people to travel by public transport. The flywheel technology helps us to reduce our fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.”
