Maxwell Technologies to Supply Ultracapacitors for Flextronics Automotive Recuperation System for Fuel-Efficient

Maxwell Technologies MXWL has been selected to supply ultracapacitors to Flextronics Automotive, a segment of Flextronics and a leading global automotive supplier, for the energy storage module of a recuperation system that Flextronics Automotive will produce to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in commercial vehicles. Each energy storage module incorporates 16 3,000-farad ultracapacitor cells to: store energy generated by a recuperative braking system, deliver stored electrical energy to power air conditioning, heating, lighting and other passenger comfort and safety features, and provide a reservoir of standby energy to stabilize the vehicle's electrical system. Flextronics Automotive designed the recuperation system to enable European commercial vehicle manufacturers to meet the European Union's stringent Euro 6 emission standards, which mandate significant reduction of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matter and other pollutants produced by diesel engines, beginning in 2014. Flextronics Automotive has won a contract to produce recuperation systems for a major European commercial vehicle manufacturer that is planning to commence production of a new, low emission, vehicle model. "Ultracapacitors charge and discharge very rapidly, which makes them very efficient for capturing regenerative braking energy and storing it for use in the electrical system," said Herbert Schoeffmann, President of Flextronics Automotive. "Using that stored energy to power lights, heating, cooling and other vehicle loads reduces the need to use the generator, which saves fuel and reduces emissions." David Schramm, Maxwell's president and chief executive officer, said, "As this supply agreement demonstrates, Ultracapacitors' high efficiency, all temperature performance and long operational life make them a preferred energy storage solution for hybrid buses and other heavy, commercial and passenger vehicles."