MGU-K

MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic) is a component in modern racing cars that converts braking energy into electrical power and provides additional horsepower when needed.

When a driver brakes, the MGU-K harvests energy that would normally be lost as heat and stores it in a battery. Later, this stored energy can be deployed to deliver up to 161 additional horsepower to the engine, helping with acceleration and reducing fuel consumption.

Introduced in Formula 1 as part of the hybrid power unit regulations, the MGU-K is connected to the engine's crankshaft and represents an evolution of the earlier KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) technology. Similar systems are now appearing in high-performance road cars, showing how motorsport innovations transfer to everyday vehicles.