Phase I R&D (2002-2006):
In 2002, Company Drive-Train Innovations was established in Technology University Eindhoven (TU/e), Dutch and dedicated in engineering application of flywheel KERS.
In 2003, Mr. Chris Ellis, an expert in auto power system established Echo Tech and led a R&D team in Imperial College to do the research and demonstration for ¡°electrical type¡± of flywheel KERS.
In 2006, a joint project by Ricardo and America Flywheel System (AFS) was launched and this project was aim to develop a high efficiency electric vehicle incorporating ¡°energy storage type¡± of flywheel KERS.
In 2006, Dr. Frank Liao served in Magna International Inc. applied for series of US patents on ¡°electric type¡± of flywheel KERS. Based on systematic analysis and innovation upon the concept of ¡°electric type¡± of flywheel KERS which was initially conceived by Chris Ellis, Dr. Frank constructed a comprehensive control theory and concept on ¡°electric type¡± of flywheel KERS.
Phase II Demonstration (2007-2009):
In 2009, FIA strongly endorsed flywheels by issuing a new regulation in which flywheel KERS is approved to be installed into F1 racing car. Williams Hybrid Power Limited (WHP) developed an ¡°energy stored type¡± of flywheel KERS for F1 racing car in same year.
Another British company Flybrid developed a ¡°mechanical type¡± of flywheel KERS for the prototype Jaguar XF and it experienced series of road testing.
Flywheel by WHP Flywheel KERS by Flybrid
F1 racing car installed with flywheel KERS
Phase III Industrialization (2010-)
In 2010, with the SEK 6M fund support by Sweden government, VOLVO announced its plan to achieve the industrialization of ¡°mechanical type¡± of flywheel KERS before 2015.
Flywheel KERS in Volvo car
In 2010, Porsche stated that it shall launch the mass production model Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid which incorporating ¡°energy storage type¡± of flywheel KERS supplied by WHP in 2012.
In 2012, the racing car AUDI R18 E-Tron Quattro in Audi team incorporating flywheel KERS supplied by WHP historically grasped the top 2 positions in Le-Mans.
Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro