Hybrid provides step change in CO2 emissions

The Efficient-C collaborative research project has successfully met the UK Department for Transport's Ultra Low Carbon Car Challenge.
Ricardo, QinetiQ and PSA Peugeot Citroen have revealed the results of the Efficient-C collaborative research project which has successfully met the UK Department for Transport's Ultra Low Carbon Car Challenge. The two year Efficient-C programme has culminated in the delivery of a full-hybrid diesel demonstrator vehicle emitting just 99g/km CO2 (equivalent to 3.75 litre per 100km or over 75 miles per gallon) based on a fully featured Citroen Berlingo Multispace family car. This is a significant leap forward of 30% improvement in fuel economy and CO2 emissions when compared with the equivalent diesel production vehicle.

Furthermore the same diesel hybrid powertrain fitted in a C-segment five-door saloon would only emit 90g tank-to-wheel CO2.

The five-door Euro IV compliant Efficient-C demonstrator meets all the expected performance, comfort and safety levels for today's market and comprises the following integrated technologies: a highly fuel-efficient PSA Peugeot Citroen 1.6 litre HDi, turbo-charged and intercooled common rail diesel engine; a compact 23kW 288V DC electric motor mounted between the engine and the transmission, providing up to 130Nm electrical torque assist, efficient electrical power generation, regenerative braking and full electric vehicle (zero emissions) operation at low speed; a five-speed automated manual transmission delivering cost-effective automatic functionality; and an advanced 288V lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack and battery management system to monitor state-of-charge, cell temperature and cell voltage balance.

Supporting systems include a low-temperature cooling circuit to protect the electric motor and power electronics, an electrohydraulic power assisted steering system, electrically powered air conditioning and a touch-screen driver display.

The advanced supervisory control system is based on the Ricardo rCube prototype controller to co-ordinate the many vehicle systems to meet driver demands while optimising fuel economy.

Dave Greenwood, Ricardo Chief Engineer and Efficient-C Project Leader, commented: 'The Efficient-C project has highlighted a range of future technologies which are capable of delivering ultra-low CO2 without compromising vehicle function and performance'.

'The project team is proud to have successfully met the UK Government's Ultra Low Carbon Car Challenge'.

Alain Klein, Director of Hybrid Vehicles Development, at PSA Peugeot Citroen, said: 'We are delighted with the results from this research project which demonstrates the potential for a step change in CO2 emissions reduction with a diesel parallel hybrid'.

'The challenge now is for the motor industry and its suppliers to achieve the cost reductions required for the mass production of diesel hybrids to be considered'.