kers

Kers is a term that may refer to several unrelated topics. The most widely known use is as an acronym for Kinetic Energy Recovery System, or KERS, a technology used to improve efficiency and performance in hybrid propulsion.

The KERS concept captures energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. A generator or motor connected to the drivetrain converts kinetic energy into stored energy, which is held in a storage device such as a flywheel, a rechargeable battery, or a supercapacitor. When power is needed, the stored energy is released back into the drivetrain to provide a boost. There are two main implementations: mechanical KERS, which stores energy in a flywheel, and electrical KERS, which stores energy in a battery or capacitor.

In motorsport, KERS gained prominence in Formula One, where it was introduced to boost lap times and efficiency. Over time the concept evolved into broader energy recovery systems, often referred to as ERS (Energy Recovery System), with subcomponents for kinetic energy (MGU-K) and heat energy (MGU-H) recovery.

Kers can also be a surname and a toponym in various European contexts. As a surname, it appears in Dutch- and Flemish-speaking regions; as a place name, it occurs as part of geographic names in multiple countries.