Transport planning bosses may welcome a new research programme aimed at slashing fuel costs and emissions for buses and commercial vehicles.
As part of the new Flybus project, headed by transmission specialist Torotrak, developers will work towards producing an innovative mechanical hybrid system for larger vehicles.
The Kinetic Energy Recovery System will be produced for fitment in new commercial vehicles and also in the form of a retrofit system for use in existing models.
Researchers say the technology will provide the logistics sector with a low-cost opportunity to dramatically cut carbon emissions and benefit from fuel efficiency savings of up to 20 per cent.
The project will be backed by £1 million of funding from the British Technology Strategy Board as the drive to reduce emissions from road traffic gathers pace.
Roger Stone, engineering director at Torotrak, said: "The availability of a simple hybrid system will be particularly welcomed by bus companies, commercial vehicle fleet operators, regional authorities and the UK government."
According to IBM's Global Truck 2020 Study, the commercial vehicle industry is set for a major overhaul in the coming years as operators increasingly opt to purchase cleaner, more fuel-efficient trucks to help cut costs.
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