Go Ahead : GKN and The Go-Ahead Group use F1 technology to improve fuel efficiency of London buses

The Go-Ahead Group and GKN plc have agreed a deal that will help reduce emissions in cities with the supply of electric flywheel systems to 500 buses over the next two years.

The innovative GKN system is based on Formula One race technology developed in the UK. It will help increase the efficiency of every bus to which it is fitted by using less fuel and therefore reducing carbon emissions. This same technology helped Audi's R18 e-tron win at Le Mans last month.

Go-Ahead has placed an order for GKN Hybrid Power to supply 500 of its Gyrodrive systems to the transport operator. 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 stop. It then uses the stored energy to power an 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.

The agreement covers the supply of the complete Gyrodrive system, including the innovative GKN Hybrid Power flywheel as well as GKN's advanced EVO electric motor, a GKN designed and manufactured gearbox, and installation. The system is designed to last for the life of the bus eliminating the need for any battery changes. Following successful trials on buses in London, Go-Ahead intends to utilise the technology in cities it serves across the UK, initially in London and Oxford.

Philip Swash, CEO GKN Land Systems, said: 'This is an important milestone for GKN Hybrid Power. We've worked in close partnership with Go-Ahead throughout the development of this innovative technology and it's very exciting to move into the production phase.

The fact that we are using the same groundbreaking technology that helped Audi win at Le Mans for the past three years to improve fuel efficiency in the public transport sector also shows what great innovation there is in the UK's engineering sector.'

CEO of Go-Ahead, David Brown, added: '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 responsible choice and encourage more people to travel by public transport.

The flywheel technology helps us to reduce our fuel consumption and C02 emissions so improving air quality for all those living, working and visiting the city.'

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.

ENDS

ABOUT GKN
GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has four divisions; GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline, GKN Powder Metallurgy and GKN Land Systems, which operate in the aerospace, automotive and land systems markets. Nearly 50,000 people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN) and recorded sales of GBP7.5 billion in the year to 31 December 2013.

GKN Hybrid Power's Gyrodrive electric flywheel technology is a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). When a vehicle brakes, it harvests the energy normally lost as heat. The flywheel stores the energy and returns it to the wheels on demand, boosting power, saving fuel and reducing emissions. When the driver brakes, a traction motor on one of the axles slows the vehicle, generating electricity at the same time. This electricity is used to charge the flywheel, spinning it at up to 36,000rpm. When the driver accelerates, the system works in reverse. The energy is drawn from the flywheel and converted back into electricity to power the traction motor. This reduces the work done by the internal combustion engine, improving fuel economy by up to 25%, depending on the application.

ABOUT THE GO-AHEAD GROUP
Go-Ahead is a leading UK public transport operator, providing high quality services in the bus and rail sectors. Employing around 23,500 people across the country, over one billion passenger journeys are undertaken on its services each year. It is committed to operating our companies in a safe, socially and environmentally responsible way and are proud to have been reaccredited with Carbon Trust Standard after taking action on climate change. In addition to the travelling public, its  customers include the Department for Transport, Transport for London (TfL) and local authorities.

For further information, please contact:

Nicola Foster, Head of External Communications, GKN plc
Tel: 01527 533495
Email: nicola.foster@gkn.com

Sarah Boundy, Group Director of Corporate Communications, The Go-Ahead Group
Tel 07808 568 667
Email: sarah.boundy@go-ahead.com