Hybrid Power in Formula One

The importance of developing hybrid technology has been recognised by the FIA and from the start of the 2009 season, Formula One cars will be permitted by regulation to collect, retain and re-use kinetic energy that would otherwise have been dissipated as heat under braking. Regulations permit the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) fitted to a Formula One car to collect and store energy during braking at a rate of 60kW - the equivalent of a thousand 60W light bulbs switched on simultaneously. Up to 400kJ of this stored energy can then be re-introduced into the drivetrain each lap at a rate of up to 60kW; an increase in overall power of about 10%. Drivers will have a 'boost' button allowing them to deploy this extra energy tactically during a race, for instance in order to overtake. Therefore on the track KERS will not only increase the efficiency of Formula One cars but could contribute to more exciting racing. Once these technologies have been validated in the highly demanding environment of Formula One, wider application beyond the race track will advance the progress of mainstream hybrid vehicles.