Engineering news
GKN and leading bus and coach manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited have signed a deal that will see the introduction of a fleet of 250 low carbon buses across the UK over the next two years.
The deal will see Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) purchase 250 of GKN Hybrid Power Gyrodrive electric flywheel systems to be used on its buses. Initial deployment of the low emission technology will focus on bus fleets in London and Oxford before a rapid deployment across the country in the next couple of years.
ADL will also be working closely with GKN to develop the technology for international markets.
The Gyrodrive system uses a high speed flywheel made of carbon fibre to store the energy generated by a bus as it slows down to a stop. It then utilises the stored energy to power a GKN EVO electric motor which helps to accelerate the bus back up to speed, generating significant fuel savings at a lower cost than battery hybrid alternatives. The Gyrodrive system is also designed to last the life of the bus therefore eliminating the need for battery changes.
Based on Formula 1 technology, the GKN flywheel helped Audi's R18 e-tron win at Le Mans in June, Audi's third consecutive win using the Gyrodrive system.
In a nod to the technology's green credentials, ADL's Euro6 Enviro400 bus fitted with the Gyrodrive system recently achieved Low Carbon Emission Bus Certification, which acknowledges a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Colin Robertson, CEO of ADL, said: “ADL is now well established as Britain’s leading provider of advanced hybrid systems with almost 800 of our low carbon buses operating across the country. This alliance with GKN introduces a new dynamic to the market place, courtesy of a lower cost solution that provides significant fuel and greenhouse gas reductions, coupled with reliability and durability.”
Earlier this year transport operator Go-Ahead Group also selected GKN to supply 500 systems for use on buses in cities across the country, following successful trials in London.
GKN Hybrid Power is based in Oxfordshire, with final assembly taking place in a new facility at GKN’s site in Telford. The Gyrodrive technology is being further developed for other mass transit markets including trams, construction and agricultural equipment.
Earlier this year GKN announced the acquisition of Williams Hybrid Power from Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited to form GKN Hybrid Power, which is focused on delivering complete hybrid solutions across multiple vehicle, power and industrial markets.