Maxwell Technologies Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of ultracapacitor-based energy storage products, announces that its ultracapacitor-based Engine Start Module (ESM) will be offered as a factory-installed option on new Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks. Kenworth dealers have offered the ESM as an aftermarket solution since 2011. With increasing demand for reliable truck engine starting, Kenworth is now the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to offer Maxwell's ESM as a factory-installed option.
The option to have an ESM pre-installed in new Kenworth trucks means fleet owners, operators and managers will enjoy the benefits of dedicated ultracapacitor power for dependable engine starting from day one. With batteries no longer required for this task, truck drivers can use truck accessories, such as lights and liftgates, without worrying about whether there is sufficient power remaining to crank the engine or if they will need to call for a jump-start.
Dr. Franz Fink, President and CEO of Maxwell, says, "Over the past three years, we've seen growing demand for Maxwell's Engine Start Module as an aftermarket part to help improve truck performance and reliability. Now, with our partnership with Kenworth to offer this technology in new trucks, customers can immediately benefit from this cost-effective option to reduce downtime and maintenance costs caused by discharged batteries."
Maxwell's ESM uses ultracapacitor technology to perform truck engine cranking in temperatures ranging from -40 to 149 F, even when batteries are drained.
