PSA makes an ohm run SA PEUGEOT CITROEN has launched its contribution to the burgeoning hybrid vehicle market.
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The £3m Efficient-C project is being undertaken in conjunction with the British companies Ricardo UK and QinetiaThe first stage of the project,now under way. is a feasibility study of the exact specification. Ricardo already has a head start in this technology with its Vauxhall Astra-based'mild hybrid' prototype. 'Ibis has a contribution of around 10% from the electrical reserves, but the PSA vehicle will be a full hybrid, with a contribution of about 40%.
An initial Citron Berlingo demonstration vehicle is expected to be on the road within 18months. The parallel hybrid driveline is likely to include a 1.9-litre, 90hp HDi engine backed up by a highpower DC motor/generator, both driving an automated manual transmission. One major decision to be made is whether to use batteries (either nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion) or 'supercapacitors' for the energy storage.
Exhaust emissions will be within Euro-4 levels, with a CO 7 target of 89.5g/km. Performance objectives include 0-62mph acceleration in less than 13 seconds and a top speed of 95mph.