Maxwell Technologies has entered into a one-year agreement with Pana-Pacific to distribute Maxwell's new ultracapacitor-based Engine Start Module in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The ESM, designed for Class 4 to 8 trucks, is available through all original equipment manufacturer aftermarket truck dealerships, including Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Mack Trucks, Peterbilt, Volvo and Western Star Trucks.

Key features of the new Engine Start Module include:

-Reliable starting for diesel engines up to 15 liters at temperatures from negative 40 degrees Celsius to 65 degrees Celsius
-Maintenance-free operation and "life of the vehicle" reliability
-Industry standard Group 31 battery form factor for easy integration with battery systems
-Built-in quick charging system (15 minutes or less)
-Green technology with no heavy metals or toxic substances requiring special recycling

Unlike batteries, which produce and store energy by means of a chemical reaction, Maxwell's ultracapacitor products store energy in an electric field. This electrostatic energy storage mechanism enables ultracapacitors to charge and discharge in as little as fractions of a second, perform normally over a broad temperature range, operate reliably through 1 million or more charge/discharge cycles and resist shock, vibration and overcharging.