A final co-operative agreement has been signed between PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

The agreement revolves around the development and supply of the new generation i-MiEV. Back in 2009, the two companies signed a framework agreement and from there a final consensus on development and supply of electric vehicles based on the i-MiEV for the European market was agreed.

Under the terms of the agreement, Peugeot Citroen will sell the electric vehicles under both the Peugeot and Citroen brands – the i-MiEV will be known as the Peugeot i0n and the Citroen C-ZERO.

Production will begin in October this year with market launches expected before the end of the year. A total of 100,000 units will be supplied under the frame of the agreement.

The Geneva Motor Show opens its doors this morning to the motoring press ahead of the public show.

This year’s show is throwing up an almost exhaustive list of greener cars and innovative alternatively-fuelled concepts.

This morning’s press preview is resulting in the release of news about further green car concepts. The Swiss show is proving to be all about the small ‘n’ green this year and has to be the largest display of such cars yet seen in the industry. Even the traditionally gas-guzzling car producers are getting in on the act, with the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin bending to the powerful pull of the green dollar.

With the doors opened this morning, one of the first cars to catch our eye was Citroen’s new SURVOLT concept. The French carmaker released details of its intended display at the show last week, but today the carmakers gives us a greater insight into this new electric car prototype.

With the first pictures release, the SURVOLT looks like a highly desirable, sleek and elegant coupe with a distinctly sporting character. But the new model is more than that; based on the Revolte concept revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, the new concept is a full electric car and uses the same technology as its sister concept.

Alongside the REVOLTE and SURVOLT concepts, Citroen is also displaying the DS High Rider hybrid concept, details of which we brought to you last month.

The French carmaker is also displaying a new C3 Picasso demonstration model which introduces Citroën’s new environmental signature – e-HDi.  This new signature will be worn by production models fitted with innovative technologies such as the new generation of Citroën’s micro-hybrid Stop & Start system.  This technology recharges the battery when the car slows down or brakes, reducing fuel consumption and CO2emissions.

This C3 Picasso e-HDi powered by a  1.6HDi engine with an automated manual gearbox fitted, is also fitted with 70 160W photovoltaic cells on its polycarbonate roof, which help recharge the battery – reducing the use of the alternator and saving more fuel.  The car also features a higher proportion of ‘green’ materials, at nearly 20 per cent.  Ecologically considerate components include the floor mats, seat foam, wheel trims and fuel tank.  The brand’s objective in 2011 is to use 20 per cent ‘green’ materials on each of its new models.

Citroen’s version of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is also attracting attention to the brand. Planned for launch in the last quarter of 2010, and a full production reality, Citroën’s new all-electric C-ZERO will offer the same performance as the i-MiEV and should prove a hit particularly with public sector fleets.

With so much going on at the 8Oth edition of the show, TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk will keep bringing the highlights to you throughout the day.

The Green Piece Column. Tuesday 23 February 2010

Steeped in tradition, having been established in 1905 and now set for its 80^th edition, the Geneva International Motor Show has always been one of the highlights of the automotive calendar.

Regarded as a level playing field for the world’s car manufacturers as Switzerland lacks an automotive industry of its own, exotic supercars usually steal the spotlight at the event but this year, after turbulent times for the industry, the focus is on green cars and the future of the business. With that in mind here we look at the top 10 most exciting green cars expected to be unveiled at the show.

1. BMW Concept ActiveE

Making its European debut in Geneva, the BMW Concept ActiveE is a fully electric drive vehicle based on the BMW 1 Series (see article). It features a specially developed motor that delivers 125kW/170hp with a maximum torque of 250Nm.

It is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and has a range of 100 miles on a single charge.

2. New 2011 Ford Focus

Already unveiled to North American audiences in Detroit in January, the 2011 Ford Focus will make its European debut in Geneva with fuel consumption savings of 10-20 per cent compared to outgoing models (see article).

The new Focus is expected to include the next generation Focus ECOnetic technologies including automatic stop-start, smart regenerative charging and low tension front end accessory drive to bring emissions down to a targeted 99g/km with fuel economy at 74.2mpg.

3. Citroen DS High Rider

A brand new hybrid concept, the Citroen DS High Rider hopes to capitalise on the higher efficiency of a diesel combined with an electric motor and is capable of operating by diesel or electric power separately dependent on the conditions (see article).

Details of fuel economy and emissions of this exciting prototype are remaining under wraps until the Geneva Motor Show opens its doors.

4. Peugeot SR1

A new concept car by Peugeot, the SR1 uses the Hybrid 4 technology that is expected to be launched in the Peugeot 3008 in 2011. A 1.6litre THP petrol engine is combined with a rear electric motor that develops 70kW and with the two powertrains operating simultaneously the SR1 can deliver power as high as 230kW.

Its combined fuel cycle performance is 58mpg, with CO2 emissions at 119g/km.

5. New 2011 Audi A1

A new super-mini from the German carmaker, the Audi A1 boasts CO2 emission figures as low as 102g/km according to preliminary figures (see article).

 

Though Audi is shrinking in size to meet green car market demand, the A1 retains its signature sleek, streamlined look and can develop 160Nm of peak torque that enables it to race from 0-62mph in 12.1 seconds with a top speed of 111mph and fuel efficiency in the region of 55.4mpg.

6. New 2011 Bentley Continental SuperSports Convertible

As part of Bentley’s ongoing commitment to biofuels, the manufacturer will debut its flex-fuel capable Continental SuperSports Convertible at the event (see article).

With flex-fuel in full use, CO2 emissions fall by as much as 70 per cent and yet the vehicle still produces remarkable sports car figures, racing from 0-60mph in 3.9seconds and with a top speed of 202mph.

7. New 2010 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion

Simply one of the greenest cars to date, the new Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion will be the second cleanest conventionally fuelled diesel on the market (behind the Smart ForTwo) with emissions at just 91g/km and fuel efficiency as high as 80.7mpg (see article).

This remarkable small car has certainly stood the test of time but with a new advanced 1.2litre TDI engine, automatic stop-start technology and regenerative braking, it takes the carmaker to an all-time high in fuel efficiency.

8. Vauxhall/Opel Flextreme

The Vauxhall/Opel Flextreme is a diesel plug-in hybrid car that can travel 34miles on its lithium-ion batteries before a small diesel engine starts to charge the batteries (see article). This range-extended concept is a rebadged version of the Saturn Flextreme first introduced in 2008 and is expected to emit 40g/km of CO2 or less based on European test procedures for range extended vehicles.

Its total range is expected to be more than 300miles with average fuel consumption at 174mpg.

9. “5 by Peugeot”

Another Peugeot debutant at the event will be the “5 by Peugeot”, a new concept car that expresses the carmaker’s desire to establish itself in the luxury sector (see article).

With Hybrid 4 technology it has an overall maximum power of 200bhp with super low fuel consumption at 74.3mpg. Its CO2 emissions, although not yet confirmed, are expected to be a meagre 99g/km placing this car right at the top of its sector.

10. New 2011 Lotus Elise

With all the hallmarks of a super car, the new Lotus Elise certainly isn’t the average green car, but thanks to a number of technological advances it manages to combine performance with efficiency (see article).

Thanks to a new 1.6litre engine that is 200cc smaller than the previous Elise model but still produces similar power at 160Nm at 4,400rpm, it has the lowest CO2 output of a petrol sports car in the world with emissions at less than 155g/km of CO2 and fuel economy at 38mpg. Nevertheless it still manages to race from 0-60mph in 6.0seconds with a top speed of 124mph.

The Geneva Motor Show opens to the Press on March 2 and to the public on March 4. We’ll bring you all the latest information from the event in our news section.

Faye Sunderland

 

Rotherham Council has taken delivery of 15 Citroen C1s  to help drive down its emissions.

Supplied by TransLinc, the new C1s form part of the council’s policy of reducing the use of grey fleet and short-term hire usage.

The new C1 1.4 HDi cars will now be used by the councils domiciliary care teams instead of employees using their own cars.

Craig Simpson, Corporate Transport Manager at Rotherham Council, said: “Our carer teams had previously been using grey fleet and spot hire vehicles. We’ve now streamlined this fleet by providing our own vehicles.  The Citroen C1s are returning around 65mpg and 109g/km CO₂ compared to around 39mpg and 163g/km for the spot hire vehicles they have replaced.

“Regular inspections and daily use checks also mean our drivers are protected and we know that they are driving a good, safe, well maintained vehicle.”

TransLinc has a seven-year contract with Rotherham Council  and is provinding the Citroens on a three-year contract hire with maintenance agreement and each car is expected to cover around 15,000 miles per year.

The diesel Citroens will also contribute to council targets for a 2 per cent cut in CO₂ emissions year on year.

Stephen Tindall, Contract Manager at TransLinc, said: “This is an example of how TransLinc helps its customers to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs by supplying vehicles that are tailored to their needs. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Rotherham Council for many years to come.”

Citroen has released the first details of a brand new hybrid concept set to debut at the Geneva motor show next month.

The latest addition to the DS line up, the DS High Rider features a full hybrid diesel drivetrain, which combines a traditional HDi DPFS engines with an electric motor located on the rear axle.

Most hybrid models have so far been developed as petrol-hybrids but with the higher efficiency of diesel combined with an electric motor, overall fuel efficiency could rocket in this combination. Capable of operating separately by diesel or electric power, under certain conditions, both engines combine to deliver additional power with additional torque transmitted to the rear wheels.

So far cost has been a major barrier to the development of diesel-hybrids; it remains yet to be seen if Citroen can be the first to market an affordable diesel hybrid. What may prove even more exciting could be Citroen’s predicted fuel economy and emissions level for this latest prototype. It is expected however, that the carmaker will keep that under its hat until the show open its doors to the motoring press on March 2.

Like the newly launched DS3, the DS High Rider follows on from the design cues first displayed in the supermini. The High Rider however will be a small 4 seat coupe with a low and sporting profile.

Planted firmly on stylish 19” alloy wheels, the car’s front end has gaping air intakes, long incisive headlights and defined ridges along the bonnet.  The French carmaker describes it latest concept as a ‘expression of automotive luxury and elegance’ with its glossy golden paintwork.

Just 4.26m long, 1.82m wide & 1.48m high, DS High Rider combines a neat and nimble chassis, for responsive handling, with sleek design architecture that is expected to provide occupants with a surprising amount of internal space.

More details are expected to be revealed in Geneva on March 2 before the show opens to the public on March 4.

How times have changed. If anything was learned from this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit it was that the motoring industry is not what it used to be.

Attendees in previous years may have fond memories of the deafening music, smoke and dancing girls that accompanied a new model. However, at this year’s event there was less of the razzamatazz and more of a focus, as it became clear that manufacturers are in a race to market electric cars.

Though the most noteworthy electric vehicle currently available, the Tesla Roadster, doesn’t come cheap at $109,000, by the end of 2010 it will be joined by a host of affordable new options. Indeed whether they are established giants such as GM, Renault-Nissan and Ford, or relative upstarts like Fisker, the market has clearly moved towards marketing electric cars.

Who are the contenders?

The manufacturers that are intent on bringing electric vehicles to fruition reads like a who’s who of the automotive world:

• BMW: The German car maker could steal a march in the luxury sector with its Concept ActiveE, a plug-in version of the BMW 1 Series coupe. It has also electrified the MINI for a test programme.
• Coda Automotive: A relative unknown at the moment, Coda may soon establish itself as a household name with its battery powered saloon car with batteries from its joint venture in China. It will launch with an internet marketing strategy in California only, but is expected to have the capacity to produce 20,000 cars a year.
• Fisker Automotive: Seen as Tesla’s closest competitor, Fisker will debut its high performance plug-in hybrid known as the Karma later this year and is working on a lower cost option known as Project NINA having been boosted by a loan from the Department of Energy (see article).
• Ford: It plans to introduce a plug-in version of the Focus from 2011 and a next generation hybrid based on its global compact car platform from 2012. As announced at the Detroit Motor Show, Michigan will be the focal point of its electrification strategy with the company planning to invest $450million in the state (see article).
• General Motors: You can’t talk about GM these days without mentioning the Chevrolet Volt, to be known in Europe as the Vauxhall/Opel Ampera, which uses a petrol engine to generate electricity for its electric motor. The car will go on sale before the end of the year for $40,000; and a Cadillac range-extended model is also planned (see article).
• Mitsubishi: Having enjoyed success with its’ i-MiEV electric vehicle on home turf, Mitsubishi has established a partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroen to bring the car to Europe in the form of the Peugeot i0n and Citroen C-ZERO. Last week it also announced plans to help build 1,000 charging stations across Japan (see article).
• Renault-Nissan Alliance: Perhaps no other automaker has been as focused on electric vehicles as Renault-Nissan. Not only will the company deploy the 100mile all-electric range LEAF this year (see article), but it is working in partnership with Better Place to deploy a Renault electric vehicle as part of a plan to boost infrastructure around the world; and it is partnering with AeroVironment to build a home charger.
• Tesla Motors: Super-car performance from an electric car – if you didn’t think it was possible, then the Tesla Roadster is active proof that it can be done. Now the company is on a roll having secured DOE funding for its Model S saloon car (see article).
• Think Global: In many respects Think is the greatest reminder of how far electric cars have come. Having been sold by Ford in 2003 and undergoing bankruptcy proceedings in late 2008 it has since bounced back with partial ownership of US battery company Ener1 and plans to introduce the two-seat Think City, which will sell for less than $20,000 (with a Federal tax credit), in the US later this year.

Add to this list the likes of Toyota with its plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles (see article); Chrysler which has ambitious electric car rollout plans now its merger with Fiat is complete; Honda with the exciting CR-Z Concept (see article); and even Audi with electric e-tron vehicles (see article); and it’s clear that the electrification of the automobile is under way.

So is the revolution here?

Del Boy Trotter was famous for saying “this time next year Rodney, we’ll be millionaires.” Indeed enthusiasts of electric cars could be accused of similar misplaced optimism after so many false starts.

However, now serious government investment through loans, grants and tax credits, coupled with a host of green energy programmes, is paying off, and while the implementation of infrastructure to charge these vehicles remains a major stumbling block (albeit one that is being addressed, slowly) it seems that… this time next year… there will be plenty of electric cars to choose from.

Faye Sunderland

As the 88^th European Motor Show in Brussels officially kicked off yesterday, attentions quickly turned to Citroen’s new all-electric four-seat city car named the C-ZERO.

The C-ZERO is a full electric model powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor that delivers 47kW or 64hp from 3,000-6,000rpm. The maximum torque of the engine is 180Nm from 0-2,000rpm, while power is transmitted to the rear axle via a single speed reduction gear.

The model is the second electric vehicle from the Citroen brand, and includes a motor powered by a 330V lithium-ion battery system with 88 50-Ah cells. The batteries are charged by plugging the cord into a 220V socket or it can be charged using a 400V supply for an 80 per cent charge in just 30minutes.

The Citroen C-ZERO can accelerate from 0-62mph in 15 seconds, has a range of around 80 miles and a top speed of 80mph. It is set for launch in the last quarter of 2010.

Hydrogen fuel cells may not be garnering the same level of attention as electric cars in recent times, but they still have a bright future if the latest innovation from PSA Peugeot Citroen is any indication.

The company is presenting a demonstrator equipped with the FiSyPAC (Fiabilisation systeme pile a combustile) hydrogen fuel cell range extender system at a show in Lyon that is designed to showcase hydrogen as a fuel source.

The FiSyPAC project was initiated in 2006 with finance from the French National Research Agency. The demonstrator comes with a 17kW GENEPAC fuel cell stack, a storage tank holding 4.2kg of hydrogen at 700bar and a 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The fully electric vehicle, which is based on a Peugeot 307 coupe, has a driving range of 311 miles with 47miles in charge depleting mode. Fuel consumption is 165Wh/km in charge depleting mode and 1.05kg/100km in range extending hybrid mode.

Since its initiation the project has focused on designing high performance, high efficiency components with significant advancements made thanks to collaboration with French research laboratories. Among the innovations is a controller that measures the state of the voltage of each individual cell of a fuel cell. Controlling these electric functions assumes an accurate knowledge of the state of health of the generator – if some of the cells are defective the entire performance of the fuel cell may be degraded.

PSA Peugeot Citroen has managed to quadruple the fuel cell’s lifespan while increasing efficiency by nearly 20 per cent. However, these advances do come with a number of road blocks such as the cost of the fuel cell system and lithium-ion batteries. As such, PSA doesn’t expect to begin mass marketing until the 2020-2025 timeframe.

The knowledge PSA is picking up is expected to be applied to a number of projects including the Peugeot Ion and Citroen C-Zero electric vehicles that will be introduced in late 2010 and the Peugeot 3008 and Citroen DS5 diesel hybrids scheduled to be introduced in 2011.

French carmaker Citroen has lifted the lid on its latest generation supermini the C3 and in a first for the manufacturer the car will be available in a variant which produces less than 100g/km of CO2.

The 5-door supermini goes on sale in the UK on 15th January 2010 with the most eye-catching version being the diesel powered Special Edition Airdream+ 1.6HDi 90hp with exhaust emissions of 99g/km of CO2. Which results in this car being a category A car for VED, with a tax rate of zero.

In total three HDi diesels will be available at launch – 1.4HDi 8V 70hp, 1.6HDi 16V 90hp and 1.6HDi 16V 110hp – all emit 115g/km of CO2 or less.  The 1.6HDi 16V 110hp and the 1.6HDi 16V 90hp Euro V engines (the latter being specified in the Airdream+), are fitted with Citroen’s DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System).

The special edition Airdream+ is based on the VTR+ trim level car (mid-range specification) with the additional benefit of rear parking sensors and Bluetooth/USB connectivity.

Looking further ahead Citroen has also confirmed it is developing even more efficient power trains, and a second generation Stop & Start system for 2011. The company is hoping to launch two diesel versions which emit 90g/km and 95g/km of CO2. It’s not just about diesel however as the carmaker is also developing a 3-cylinder petrol engine which they hope will break the sub-100g/km threshold.

The Japanese Mitsubishi i-MiEV model has already proven a hit on home soil – and now bookings are being taken for the European version of the car, under the Peugeot brand.

Known as the Peugeot i0n, pre-bookings of the vehicle are open on the websites of Peugeot Germany, Great Britain, France, Spain and Italy. The company says it has already signed letters of intent with nine companies and administrations for car sharing projects and large fleets in Europe.

The i0n made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with Citroen also announcing its version of the car – to be known as the C-ZERO – earlier this week.

It features four doors and four seats, and develops a maximum power output of 47kW and torque of 180Nm. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 81mph with the lithium-ion battery pack supporting a range of 81miles. It is rechargeable in six hours or to 80 per cent capacity within 30 minutes using a 50kW quick charge.

The development comes after PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi signed a co-operative agreement for the development of electric vehicles back in September.