Peugeot-Citroen’s unique hybrid-air technology, currently being showcased at the Geneva Motor Show, will be in production by 2016, using the group's new EMP2 platform.
That new platform makes its debut on the new Citroen Picasso, while the hybrid-air tech itself is being demonstrated attached to a Peugeot 2008 and a Citroen C3.
Although the idea of using compressed air to power cars dates back to the late 1950s, the challenge is to prepare components that haven't previously been used in mass production in the car industry, Dr Karim Mokaddem, director of the hybrid-air project tells Headlineauto.co.uk.
"We are working with Bosch to industrialise the process," he said.
Work on the project started only two years ago and first prototypes were very efficient in city driving but less efficient at higher speeds.
Now on its fourth generation, PSA Peugeot Citroen is promising a 45 per cent fuel reduction over the equivalent petrol engine and CO2 emissions down to 69g/km.
The other bonus is that the technology is more affordable at "about half the cost of traditional hybrids," he said.
"The technology and components are not new - what's new is the way we have put it together."
Source: Headlineauto.co.uk
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Tony Lee
Thank you for the great update.
I must not understand the production process because 2016 seems way too far in the future for technology that is needed now.
Bosch will "industrialize" things?
Sounds like these will be expensive if they make it production at all. $60K Euro?
How about a retrofit kit for my Suburban 4WD so I can get 50 MPG. Easy to install tank and feedback system. $4K US ?
March 06, 2013