· Range from Formula 1 to touring cars and 24-hour races

Bosch Motorsport is developing a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) for use in motor racing. With hybrid technology being used more and more in road vehicles, there are now signs that it will also find its way into racing vehicles. Bosch is developing a modular KERS kit which covers all requirements from Formula 1 to racing series such as the DTM or 24-hour races. "In comparison with the hybrid technology of production vehicles, the concepts for motor racing are considerably more powerful, and at the same time more compact," says Klaus Böttcher, director Bosch Motorsport. "We are already holding discussions with many teams from various racing series." Depending on the specific design, the systems are intended to allow for more overtaking maneuvers using additional power that can be called upon temporarily or even to reduce the number of refueling stops by cutting consumption.

Hybrid systems by Bosch Motorsport always comprise a battery, the electric motor, and the KERS controller. This contains the power electronic, the battery management, and the management system for hybrid and engine functions. A lithium-ion battery with scalable capacity or a flywheel energy storage device is used for storing energy. The latter stores up to 750 kilojoules of energy. The electric motors weigh between four and eight kilograms with a maximum power level of 60 kilowatts. Thanks to its modular structure, KERS from Bosch can be put together individually in terms of weight, robustness, and performance to suit the requirements of the respective race series.

As an experienced system and components supplier for many racing series, the experts at Bosch Motorsport have the necessary system expertise and integration know-how for motorsport applications. Bosch Motorsport Service is part of the subsidiary Bosch Engineering GmbH, which specializes in engineering services. It can look back over a long motorsport tradition: as long ago as 1903, Bosch technology helped car racing drivers to victory for the first time.

The Bosch Group has been dealing with hybrid technologies for more than 30 years and has comprehensive expertise in battery, electrical drive, and brake management, as well as in engine management and transmission control.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 275,000 associates generated sales of 38.2 billion euros in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH. Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.

PI6511 - November 2008