Jaguar XF Flywheel Hybrid

Jaguar XF gets fitted with a composite flywheel hybrid

Jaguar are experimenting with various forms of hybrid technology, and have developed a hybrid flywheel system fitted to a Jaguar XF

There really is some interesting thinking going on in the car world these days. Driven by the need to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, engineers get more and more creative. Which we applaud; it can only be for the good.

It’s just a shame that the urge to achieve better economy is being motivated by the flawed science Governments use to justify the requirement to drive down CO2 emissions. Now, if they were forcing car makers to reduce NOx and particulates – which really matter – instead of CO2 which doesn’t, we’d be applauding from the rooftops.

Anyway, mini rant aside, Jaguar are working on a flywheel hybrid system which they’ve stuffed in to the back axle of an XF. This may ring a bell if you’re a regular reader as we reported a hybrid flywheel Porsche using tech developed by Williams F1 a bit back.

Essentially, Jaguar’s Flywheel Hybrid System for Premium Vehicles (FHSPV) works by storing electrical energy in the composite flywheel housed in the back axle, which is provided by capturing energy lost under braking. The flywheel can store up to 60kW which can be used during start-up to save energy and can also be called on like a KERS button to deliver a peak power boost of 80bhp for seven seconds.

Jaguar are running round a hybrid Jaguar XF complete with the composite, energy-gathering flywheel and stop/start and are getting improvements of around 20% in economy and emissions. Which is not too shoddy for a system which potentially offers big advantages over battery hybrids. It’s not only a lot lighter – it weighs in total around 65kg – but in essence is potentially cheaper and more robust.

But at this stage Jaguar are playing games to see what works. As well as the composite flywheel XF they’re also working with Lotus on the range extender XJ Limo Green. And stuff we haven’t managed to prise out of them yet.

But don’t hold off buying an XF until it gets a KERS button. It’s not exactly imminent.