Regenerative mode is activated during braking. The KERS transforms part of the vehicle’s kinetic energy, that would otherwise be lost as heat, into useful electric energy. This electric energy is stored in ultracapacitors that offer high speed charge and discharge, as well as higher cyclability than other energy storage solutions (i.e. Li-Ion batteries). These features make ultracapacitors the ideal technology for start-stop applications.
On traction mode, the system can deliver additional torque during vehicle acceleration. This allows the diesel engine to work within its optimum operating window. The control algorithm enables the system to reduce the internal combustion engine transients, leading to a reduction in total fuel consumption of 15 – 25%, depending on the drive cycle and route.