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 winning driver in Peugeot’s Eco Cup challenge achieved staggering fuel efficiency of near 90 mpg.

The race from Paris to Geneva took place to coincide with the opening of the motor show at the Swiss city, with the winner being the competitor that arrived at the finish within set time targets having used the least fuel.  It was designed to demonstrate the fuel-frugal ability of the carmaker’s HDi diesel models. Indeed the winning car was no tiny city car, hybrid or specially adapted vehicle, just an ordinary 5-door 308 HDi 110 driven over 100kms between the two cities in heavy winter conditions.

Open to the public, the challenge attracted 72 people from 18 countries, in the first ever pan-European eco-driving race. 

The winning Peugeot 308 HDi FAP 110, driven by Tomas Sarik of Slovakia, achieved an average fuel consumption of 89.95 mpg while in second place a 207 HDi 90 achieved an average of 87.10 mpg. Even the seven seater 5008 PV model, which took third place, achieved an average of 84.77 mpg.

Jon Goodman, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, said: “This project has proven two things; that there are a lot of people out there interested in doing their bit for the planet by stretching fuel economy to the max; and that this can be achieved in standard Peugeot diesel cars, with our new 5008 7-seater MPV nearly cracking 85mpg and our 308 5-door family hatch pushing 90mpg. This is a great reminder that, in this dynamic and technology-obsessed industry, genuine environmentally friendly motoring is available for the masses right now.”

The 72 competitors set off from Paris on Sunday, 28th February 2010 towards Geneva covering the journey on a set route within the 36 hour permitted period.

For each model, the candidate having consumed the least fuel at the end of the course won a new Peugeot car. Winners were announced and the keys to the vehicles handed over on Tuesday 2nd March 2010 on the Peugeot stand at the motor show.

Jon Goodman, MD of Peugeot UK said: “This first Peugeot Eco Cup is a truly exciting challenge in the mould of those first great motoring adventures, and uses the expertise from one of Europe’s leaders in terms of environmental vehicles. We are seeking the best of the best in eco-driving, taking everyday but highly fuel-efficient Peugeot cars over a testing route to see just how far they can stretch their fuel capability. Will anyone make the finish on one tank? We’ll have to see.

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

Peugeot has released details of a new hybrid concept set to be revealed at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

The new car, called ‘5 by Peugeot’  is said to display the carmaker’s desire to move up in the world, offering space and luxury.

Utilising Peugeot’s Hybrid4 technology, the new car will offer strong driving performance with 200bhp and impressive eco-credentials, expected to have an official CO2 figure of 99g/km.

An indication of the ‘changing face of Peugeot’, the carmaker claims, the new car will be a large, luxury saloon, designed to meet multiple needs and appeal to the business car sector.

Using the same HYbrid4 technology which will be launched in 2011 in the 3008, the 5 concept will use a 2.0 litre HDi FAP163 bhp diesel engine, mounted at the front of the vehicle, combined with a 37 bhp electric motor at the rear. This arrangement  not only produces  an overall maximum power of 200 bhp, but super low fuel consumption of 74.3 mpg.

With something of the brand’s signature look, the 5 concept also displays a stylish streamlined body which is both practical for fuel economy purposes but also attractive.  The sides of the car are enhanced further by the brushed-aluminium window surrounds and door handles, combined with sculpted 19’’ wheel trims for the luxury look.

To get a closer look at the new concept, you can head down to the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, when hopefully, the carmaker may give an indication of when this stunning new concept may go into full production.

Having formed a successful engine collaboration which has produced around 1.3million engines since 2006, BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen will now continue their partnership on a next generation four-cylinder petrol engine.

An agreement has been struck between Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG and Philippe Varin, the chairman of the managing board of PSA Peugeot Citroen, in Paris. 

The engine will meet EU6 requirements – the current generation is used in several Peugeot, Citroen and MINI brand models. There are also plans to examine other areas for co-operation at systems and component level, the aim being to leverage synergies in the development, production and procurement of selected components.

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

Peugeot has launched the first ever pan-European eco-driving challenge, open to any qualified driver.

Called the Peugeot Eco Cup, competitors will drive 1000 kilometres from Paris to Geneva, with the winning competitors being the ones that arrive at the finish within set time targets having used the least fuel.

Would-be competitors can sign up at the dedicated website http://ecocup.peugeot.com which can also be found via www.peugeot.co.uk by 15 February 2010.

The website features a range of eco-driving tips, an online eco-driving test and details of the four different Peugeot cars available for the event. Applicants select the car category they prefer to compete in, enter their details and submit a 140 word description of what makes a good eco driver.

Peugeot will select 72 competitors from the online entries and then randomly draw entrants to be invited to take the challenge, with four each representing the 18 European countries (and accompanied by a team-mate of their choice), to compete in four different Peugeot cars: 207 HDi 90, 308 HDi 110, 3008 HDi 110 and 5008 HDi 110. Each car is a diesel powered practical family vehicle recognised for its excellent fuel economy and low carbon emissions.

With strict equivalent weights for each model used, the 72 vehicles will all set off from Paris on Sunday, 28th February 2010 towards Geneva via a compulsory 1,000 kilometre route to be covered within the 30-36 hour permitted period.

For each model, the candidate having consumed the least fuel at the end of the course will win a new Peugeot car. Winners will be announced and the keys to the vehicles will be handed over on Tuesday 2nd March 2010 on the Peugeot stand at the Geneva Motor Show.

Jon Goodman, MD of Peugeot UK said: “This first Peugeot Eco Cup is a truly exciting challenge in the mould of those first great motoring adventures, and uses the expertise from one of Europe’s leaders in terms of environmental vehicles. We are seeking the best of the best in eco-driving, taking everyday but highly fuel-efficient Peugeot cars over a testing route to see just how far they can stretch their fuel capability. Will anyone make the finish on one tank? We’ll have to see.”

The North American International Auto Show has marked the debut of a host of exciting new green car concepts, but few were as eagerly anticipated as Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid, dubbed the world’s first hybrid sports car. Yet despite its commitment to advancing electromotive technologies, Honda CEO and President Takanobu Ito was keen to promote the long-term benefits of a different technology (see article).

“We continue to believe that a fuel cell electric vehicle is the ultimate solution to reduce CO2 emissions,” he said. “The development cost must come down and there must be a major expansion of the hydrogen fuelling infrastructure. But make no mistake, as a vehicle, the Honda FCX Clarity is ready now. Further, Honda is unique in making long-term investments to develop the refuelling infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles.”

So can fuel cell vehicles really break into the mainstream?

Big name manufacturers backing fuel cells

Despite fuel cell vehicles suffering a number of funding setbacks last year that we examined in our article “Why we shouldn’t give up on fuel cells”, it now seems that major car manufacturers are once again willing to put their faith in hydrogen powered vehicles.

Nissan has delivered its first hydrogen X-Trail to a soft drinks company in California (see article). The vehicle, which is based on the X-Trail SUV, is fitted with a 90kW compact fuel cell stack, a compact lithium-ion battery and a high pressure hydrogen storage system. Versions of the car are said to be capable of 90mph and a cruising range of 300miles.

Toyota too has expanded its fuel cell demonstration program in the US placing vehicles with government agencies, universities and private companies in California and New York with the intention of adding more regional partners as more hydrogen stations are added. According to Irv Miller, Toyota Motor Sales group vice president of environmental and public affairs, the plan is to come to market in 2015 “or earlier” and he believes Toyota “will not be alone” in the fuel cell marketplace.

And if you thought it was just the Japanese that are latching on to the technology then think again – PSA Peugeot Citroen presented a demonstrator with the FiSyPAC hydrogen fuel cell range extender system at a show in Lyon, France, in December having successfully quadrupled the fuel cell’s lifespan and increased its efficiency by 20 per cent since work on the project began in 2006 (see article).

Why stumbling blocks remain

Despite a renewed commitment to the technology from major manufacturers, there are still a number of hurdles to overcome before hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can prosper – a point that was highlighted by Revolve Technologies’ technical director Paul Turner last week (see article).

During its efforts to convert Ford Transit vehicles to run on hydrogen fuel, the company has encountered not only technological problems but legislative ones too. With no laws yet governing the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the Transits are technically unapproved for the UK’s roads and the company is now working closely with the Department of Transport to establish legislation relating to the storage, handling and dispensing of the fuel.

There remains a greater need too, for more hydrogen fuelling infrastructure. Though fuelling stations have emerged, such as through the California Hydrogen Highway program; the hydrogen highway between Mantova, Italy and Munich, Germany; and even the first hydrogen station in the UK at the University of Birmingham; progress remains comparatively slow. The bulk of Government funding, in the US and UK in particular, appears focused on promoting electric vehicles and building recharging points with hydrogen technology taking a back seat.

Our verdict

It would appear that hydrogen fuel cell technology is at something of a crossroads. Once seen as the natural successor to internal combustion engines, the technology fell by the wayside as funding was pumped into electric vehicles with criticisms focusing on the high costs of fuel cells and the lack of infrastructure.

However, as research and development programmes have continued there appears to be renewed faith in the technology from the leading manufacturers. With it now possible to produce hydrogen from water using renewable energy it could even be argued that fuel cell cars are a more environmentally friendly prospect than electric vehicles which still rely on fossil fuels for the bulk of their electricity production.

The key then as to whether the technology sinks or swims is whether there is serious backing from governments in the developed and developing worlds through funding and incentive programmes. We are on the brink of an electric car breakthrough thanks largely to government support: now the question remains as to whether hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be afforded the same opportunities.

Faye Sunderland

Keep your eyes on the upcoming Peugeot 308CC – it will be the first model in the Peugeot range to benefit from the new 1.6litre 112bhp diesel engine.

The engine has been designed to meet Euro 5 emission standards and boasts a host of improvements compared to the 110bhp such as improved performance, noise reduction and reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

It boasts a maximum torque of 270Nm at 1,750rpm, which is an increase of 12.5 per cent compared to the current engine and has a wide operating range with high levels of torque available at all times. More than 50 per cent of the parts have been redesigned and the combustion chamber offers a lower compression ratio, an increase in diameter and a reduction of the swirl.

The engine management software has also gone under an entire redesign to give the unit more comprehensive injection mapping as well as improved efficiency and better diagnostics. This improves the homogeneity of the air/diesel fuel mixture to maximise performance while still reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

In addition, the engine uses a Honeywell Turbo Technology variable geometry turbocharger that optimises it in terms of size. With an improved exhaust gas recirculation system too, there is a reduction in internal friction that maximises the enhancement of energy efficiency while minimising potential losses.

Turning our attention away from the Detroit Motor Show (at least momentarily) and we shouldn’t forget that the Brussels Motor Show is also in full swing, where it was announced that Peugeot has signed two letters of intent agreements with Veolia and Greenwheels concerning the purchase of electric vehicles and the development of mobility services.

As part of the agreement, which Peugeot states demonstrates its desire to take a major share of the electric vehicle market, Peugeot and Greenwheels will also join the European Electric Vehicles for Advanced Cities project that brings together more than 20 European cities, car manufacturers, electricity suppliers and research institutes.

The agreement with car sharing company Greenwheels is the latest in a historic partnership between the companies – Peugeot has already supplied more than 1,000 vehicles to the company in the Netherlands. Under the terms of the agreement, several hundred electric vehicles will be rolled out, first in the Netherlands and then in Germany and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the agreement with France-based Veolia will see the companies form a strategic partnership concerning the supply of the Peugeot i0n with the possibility that it will be offered as part of the Autolib project, a self service electric car rental scheme.

So far, Peugeot has taken more than 2,000 orders for its electric i0n vehicle, which is based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and will go on sale in October this year.