• World Premiere at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show
• Powered by an HDi diesel hybrid power train
• Emits only 90g/km of CO2
• Staggeringly low 3.4 litres per 100 kms in the Combined Cycle
• To be launched in Europe in 2010

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, later this month, Peugeot will showcase its new 308 Hybrid HDi, which emits just 90g/km of CO2 and reduces fuel consumption by 38% in the Combined Cycle compared to a standard 308 HDi.

In its pearlescent white and green colour scheme, two colours chosen as symbols of purity and ecology, the 308 Hybrid HDi demonstrator is the eagerly anticipated star of the environmental section of Peugeot’s stand at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

This new 308 Hybrid HDi demonstrator represents another step on the path towards the planned commercialisation of the technology in 2010. Further evaluation of the original Peugeot 307 Hybrid HDi demonstrator in 2006 has confirmed the choice of a diesel engine, instead of a petrol engine, as the best option to provide the best reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

The demonstrator is powered by Peugeot’s most efficient parallel hybrid power plant to date, combined with a 6-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox. It has a 80 kW 1.6 HDi DPFS diesel engine coupled with a 16 kW electric motor providing a maximum power output of 96 kW, comparable to that of the 308 with the 2.0 litre HDi DPFS 100 kW diesel engine. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 3.4 litres per 100 km and 90g/km of CO2 or a reduction of 38% compared to an equivalent 308 diesel HDi model.

In addition, the engine has been designed to meet the future Euro V directive which comes into force in 2009 and offers the possibility of driving exclusively in electric or “ZEV” (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode for journeys in regulated urban centres.

The excellent aerodynamic performance of the 308 hatchback and the use of Michelin’s new Energy Saver tyres, which reduce rolling resistance, help to enhance further its performance.

A step towards commercialisation

Compared to the previous 307 Hybrid HDi demonstrator presented in 2006, the focus of the development has now switched to concentrating on the packaging of the hybrid technology into the structure of the new 308, and to ensure its compatibility with the future Euro V emission standards.

To ensure a competitive purchase price, priority has been given to using as many components as possible from current Peugeot vehicles. This has enabled the number of specific parts associated with the hybridisation of the 308 to be reduced by around 30% compared to the previous 307 Hybrid HDi demonstrator.

A simple, automatic technology

The vehicle is started by a customary ignition key but, unlike a conventional vehicle, this does not start the diesel engine. Instead by pressing the accelerator pedal with the gearbox in automatic mode, the electric motor powers the vehicle. The diesel engine only operates when required and is controlled by a stop and start system. All the powertrain operating modes are controlled by a Power Train Management Unit (PTMU) according to the driver’s requirements.

The driver is informed in real time of the power train operating mode by a schematic diagram on the vehicle’s colour multifunction display. Other information is also available, such as the battery charge status or the power train operation mode.

Well equipped and without compromise

The comprehensively equipped demonstrator has all the standard equipment of a Premium Pack 308 and also includes a panoramic glass roof and the RT4 multi-media system with a retractable colour display screen. The level of standard equipment, interior space, interior brightness, dynamic qualities and driveability are no different to those of the standard 308.

General dynamic performance is also comparable to a standard 308 HDi. In-gear acceleration, however, both in town and on the open road, is improved with the Hybrid HDi. Indeed, during in-gear acceleration, the diesel engine is backed up by the electric motor which is able on demand to deliver a power boost.

Optimised Hybrid HDi technology

The parallel hybrid power train consists of a 1.6 litre HDi DPFS 80 kW diesel engine and an electric motor with a continuous output of 16 kw. The Power Train Management Unit (PTMU) selects the right distribution of power from both units to meet the requirements of the driver and minimise fuel consumption.

The electric motor alone is responsible for starting and driving at low speed, while only the diesel engine is used on open roads and motorways, with both units coming into play simultaneously to provide quicker acceleration. The system is fitted with a 6-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox able to operate in automatic or manual sequential mode.

To extend the battery range, kinetic energy recovered during phases of deceleration and braking is used to recharge the batteries. A special button provides access to an all-electric “ZEV” Zero Emission Vehicle mode. Operation of the diesel engine is then restricted to more pronounced acceleration phases or high speed driving. This "ZEV" mode provides total absence of exhaust emissions and noise pollution.

Technical description of main specific components

The electric motor is of the synchronous type with permanent magnets, developing a continuous power of 16 kW and a torque of 79 Nm. However, intermittently its output can attain 22 kW and 128 Nm.

An inverter regulates the 150 to 260 volt current from the high voltage battery pack supplying the electric motor in accordance with the torque requirements determined by the Power Train Management Unit (PTMU).

A new generation battery pack has been developed which delivers an output of 200 volts. It is housed in the spare wheel well and does not, therefore, reduce the available boot volume. The batteries are of the Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) type.

A converter converts the 200 V from the battery pack into 12 V to supply the vehicle equipment in phases of solely electrical operation.

Managed braking maximises the recharging of the batteries during phases of deceleration and braking. An Intelligent control of the braking optimises the distribution between regenerative electric braking and traditional dissipative hydraulic braking. The braking management system gives priority to braking efficiency over the recovery of energy.

Main technical characteristics