PSA Peugeot Citroen electric/hybrid strategy

PSA Peugeot Citroen reveals electric and hybrid car plans

In the fourth quarter 2010, the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group will launch two electric cars, the Peugeot iOn and the Citroen C-Zero, both based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The cloned four-door cars were a joint development between PSA and Mitsubishi and are designed to make urban mobility easier due to their compact dimensions, tight turning circle and a range matched to day-to-day journeys.

The electric motor, powered by the latest-generation lithium-ion batteries mounted in the centre of the vehicle, provides a top speed of 130 kph and 0-100 kph acceleration in 15 seconds plus a range of 130 km. In France, 70% of weekday journeys are less than 30 km. Full charging takes six hours, or 30 minutes for an 80% charge using a fast-charging system.

The French government is planning to spend EUR1.5 billion on creating a battery charging infrastructure as part of its aim to encourage clean vehicle technology. Given this favourable climate, Peugeot are targeting sales of the iOn at around 25,000 units a year.

Also in 2010, PSA will install its new generation stop/start technology across its ranges realising fuel savings and a reduction CO2 emissions of up to 15%.

Hybrid4 technology to launch in 2011

In 2011, the Group introduces diesel hybrid versions of two premium models, the Peugeot 3008 and the Citroen DS5 clone. Both will be powered by the Group’s innovative Hybrid4 powertrain which, when it comes to market, is likely to be the first hybrid system mated with a diesel engine.

The Hybrid4 architecture is compatible with a wide range of engine sizes and car bodies. A 2.0l HDi diesel combustion engine is installed at the front, driving the front wheels, and an electric motor and battery at the rear provides on-demand all-wheel-drive, along with electric-only operation at lower speeds. This technology offers drivers the dynamic advantages of four-wheel drive and enhanced road-holding. At speeds of over 120 km/h, the electric motor deactivates to eliminate electromagnetic losses and friction, thus ensuring greater efficiency. The two cars will also be fitted with stop/start and particulate filters. The total reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions is almost 35% compared with a diesel HDi model of equivalent power.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for 2012

A year later, the group intends to launch a full plug-in diesel hybrid Peugeot 3008, emitting less than 50g of CO2 and with a range of electric-only operation equivalent to the daily use of the majority of drivers. An initial fleet of PSA PHEVs will be launched towards the end of 2012.

Fuel cell technology

PSA are currently evaluating a Peugeot convertible with hydrogen fuel cell technology. It has a lithium-ion battery pack that provides a range of nearly 50 miles in electric-only mode. Range extension is achieved with a 17 kW Genepac fuel cell stack. With a storage tank holding just over 9 pounds of hydrogen at 10,000 psi, the range increases to over 300 miles.

PSA doesn’t expect to begin mass marketing a fuel cell vehicle until 2020-2025, when the major problems of cost and pricing have been overcome.