Energy Recovery System

An Energy Recovery System (ERS) is a hybrid technology in motorsport that captures energy normally lost during braking and from exhaust heat, converting it into electrical power that provides additional acceleration.

In Formula 1, the ERS consists of two motor-generator units: the MGU-K harvests kinetic energy during braking, while the MGU-H recovers heat energy from exhaust gases. This electricity is stored in batteries and can deliver approximately 160 extra horsepower for about 33 seconds per lap.

Drivers deploy this power strategically throughout races for overtaking or defending positions. Introduced to F1 in 2014 as an evolution of the earlier KERS system, energy recovery technology has since spread to other racing series like Le Mans, making race cars both more powerful and fuel-efficient.