GKN partners with ADL

GKN Plc has become a preferred partner of Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL). The agreement will see the bus manufacturer buy 250 of its leading edge Gyrodrive electric flywheel systems. The vehicles with these systems are set to be introduced across the UK during the next two years. ADL will focus initially on the introduction of the low emission technology to bus fleets in London and Oxford but anticipates rapid deployment across the UK in the next few years. It will also be working closely with GKN to develop the technology for international markets. Earlier this year transport operator Go-Ahead Group selected GKN to supply 500 systems for use on buses in cities across the UK following successful trials in London.

Based on Formula One racing technology developed in the UK, the Gyrodrive system uses a high speed flywheel made of carbon fibre to store the energy generated by a bus as it slows to stop. It then utilises the stored energy to power a GKN EVO electric motor which helps accelerate the bus back up to speed. The company claims this generates significant fuel savings at a considerably lower cost than battery hybrid alternatives. It is designed to last for the life of the bus, eliminating the need for any battery changes and its manufacturer claims it offers much lower whole life costs than other hybrid alternatives.