To cope with the challenge of creating an environment-friendly vehicle, PSA Peugeot Citroën is developing an all-new technology combining Gasoline internal combustion engine and compressed air storage. "Hybrid Air" is a key step in the path toward fuel consumption of 2 l/100 km. The major innovation lies in the way the powertrain adapts to driving styles, adjusting independently to one of three modes: Air, Gasoline, Combined.
The reason behind this innovation?
· To answer the worldwide challenges of greenhouse gas and the pollutants reduction
What is it exactly?
· A new type of full hybrid powertrain that uses petrol and compressed air:
- An innovative combination of tried and tested technologies: a petrol engine, a unit to store energy in the form of compressed air, a hydraulic motor-pump assembly and an automatic transmission working with an epicyclic gear train.
- The smart control system adapts the operating mode to the driver's commands and optimises energy efficiency in three different modes: ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle), petrol internal combustion and combined.
· An offer that fits closely with the Hybrid4 electric hybrid for more powerful vehicles in segments C and D
· A more competitive total cost of ownership (residual value, cost in use)
· A worldwide response to the need for energy-efficient vehicles. A technology that is suited to any climate and driving conditions and to any after-sales service network
What are the benefits for users?
Consumption
· 69g CO2/km homologated performance, i.e. 2.9 l/100 km (internal combustion, manual gearbox, benchmark of 104g CO2/km) for a conventional body style, such as the Citroën C3 or Peugeot 208, without any specific adaptations
· Savings of 45% in city driving, offering a 90% increase in range in comparison with conventional engines
A comfortable and pleasant drive
· 60% to 80% in ZEV mode in city driving, depending on the traffic
· An automatic transmission that offers a top-quality, smooth and pleasant drive
No compromise
· Vehicle space maintained (boot, cabin, modular design)
· Reliable and robust: an essentially mechanical system, for easier and more economical maintenance
· Small environmental footprint. Easily recyclable materials
A technology for all customers
· Affordable
· Global. Can be industrialised on numerous markets
· Applicable to every passenger car and LCV segments, and intended for the B (82 bhp internal combustion engines), C (110 bhp internal combustion engines) and LCV segments