Maxwell Ultracapacitor Engine Starting Module Now in New Kenworth Trucks

Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MXWL), a leading developer and manufacturer of ultracapacitor-based energy storage products, has announced 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. 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 that with batteries no longer required for the starting 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, said, “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 degrees to +149 degrees Fahrenheit, even when batteries are drained.

Category: Engines & Drivetrains, General Update