Volvo is developing flywheel technology for kinetic recovery of braking energy

The project seeks to develop a complete system for kinetic energy recovery facilities for Volvo's future models. The system will make it possible to reduce fuel consumption by 15-20 percent for a standard car.

- The project is very interesting because the flywheel system provides great kilowatts of power per kilogram, but they have the potential to be considerably cheaper than other hybrid solutions, which makes it attractive for a much larger volume of passenger cars or heavy vehicles, "says Kristina Difs at the Swedish Energy Agency.

The expected result, a complete system for kinetic energy recovery, are examined as an opportunity for the implementation of Volvo's next-generation cars. The project will ensure that the technology can be used to improve the system for future plug-in hybrids. The aim is also to stimulate a supply chain with mainly Swedish producers cooperating with one system vendor.

The project is granted through FFI - Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation. FFI is a partnership between the Swedish government and automotive industry for joint funding of research, innovation and development concentrating on Climate & Environment and Safety. Initially set to run from 2009-2012 with no definite ending year. FFI has R&D activities worth approx. €100 million per year, of which half is governmental funding. The background to the investment is that development within road transportation and Swedish automotive industry has big impact for growth.

FFI will contribute to the following main goals: Reducing the environmental impact of transport, Reducing the number killed and injured in traffic and Strengthening international competitiveness. Read more about FFI.