Nanotecture has developed a prototype supercapacitor specifically for engine starting in ‘No-Idle’ applications. Where it is impractical or not possible to idle the vehicle engine, the starting battery can become discharged to the point where it will not turn and start the engine. Under these conditions an alternative source of energy is needed to start the engine and a high energy supercapacitor fills this role very effectively.

The first version of this supercapacitor was successfully trialled at one of the leading truck manufacturers in the USA where it proved capable of multiple starts of a 15 litre diesel engine with a direct starter motor. Nanotecture was awarded the Shell Energy Award by the Institution of Chemical Engineers in October 2006 for the development of this supercapacitor for the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions possible through its adoption by the road transport industry.