Continuing years of commitment to improve vehicle energy performance, Peugeot and Total are combining their capacity for innovation once more in a breakthrough project: the 208 HYbrid FE. The aim is to design a vehicle combining real driving pleasure (0 to 100km/h / 0 to 62 mph in 8.0 seconds) and low emissions of CO2 (49 g/km). This technological demonstrator will benefit from Peugeot and Total’s latest innovations in aerodynamics, weight-saving and drivetrains. The performance of this technological demonstrator will be achieved without the use of a top-up energy source (non plug-in petrol technology) and taking as its base an already optimized production vehicle.
Peugeot and Total, technical partners
Partners since 1995, Peugeot and Total groups are working together to significantly reduce the fuel consumption, emissions of CO2 and TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of vehicles.
In France, close to 250 researchers are working on developing future automobile fuels and lubricants. The Total Excellium fuels permit a reduction in fuel consumption. Today, the researchers of the Total group are developing biofuels, low sulfur fuels, energy economy lubricants (Fuel-Eco lubricants), special additives guaranteeing reduced emissions, but also innovative materials to lighten the structures and enhance performance.
Peugeot, on his side, is investing in a range of technology. Engines are an important area: continuous improvement of the efficiency of internal combustion engines, down-sizing strategy, standardization of use of the particle emission filter, wider use of the Stop&Start, Diesel-electric hybrids, electric drive… Peugeot is also investing in the materials used to reduce the weight of the vehicles, increasing the proportion of green materials, without forgetting the connected services.
The result of these developments is positive as the Marque has the lowest emissions of CO2 in Europe. The leader’s average rating has decreased by 7 g/km to only 121.6 g/km in 2012.
In 2011, Peugeot and Total renewed their collaborative research and exclusive recommendation agreement. Today, the two companies are involved in a project to offer future generations with mobility that combines energy efficiency (Fuel Economy) and driving pleasure (Fun & Emotion).
208 HYbrid FE, a fuel economy and fun-to-drive oriented demonstrator
To rise to this technological challenge, Total and Peugeot are combining their capacity for innovation to develop solutions for the mobility of future generations.[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”right” alt=”Peugeot and total collaboration 208 HYbrid FE” title=”Peugeot and total collaboration 208 HYbrid FE”]https://www.car-engineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Peugeot-and-total-collaboration-208-HYbrid-FE.jpg[/image_frame]
Peugeot, the Research and Advanced Technology Division of the PSA group, the Total group and several of its entities (Total Lubricants, Hutchinson, CCP Composites, Total Global Polymers) are coordinated by Peugeot Sport, used in human challenges, state-of-the-art technology and hybrid developments.
To give a firm foundation to this undertaking, the project is based on the 208 1.0 VTi 68hp, which will be extensively evolved. The style and the aerodynamics will be the first visible elements. Redesigned, the 208 HYbrid FE will be more aerodynamic with a much lower co-efficient of drag (Cd) than that of the production model, while retaining its occupant space. Special tires and wheels will contribute to reduce rolling resistance.
The weight reduction will be a major contributor to the performance. In fact, the teams expect to achieve a 200 kg reduction in the weight of the vehicle. Hutchinson and CCP Composites, subsidiaries of the Total group, will provide their expertise in composite materials and polycarbonates. These will be used for the body panels, the windows and also in the passenger compartment.
The 208 HYbrid FE will also innovate with its hybrid drivetrain inspired by competition. It is a power unit which combines a 3-cylinder petrol engine and its EGC (Electronic Gearbox Controlled) gearbox with an electric motor and a battery taken directly from the endurance programs. The engine will be adapted for this new application: special thermo-management and combustion cycle, reduction of frictions, reduced weight of the reciprocating gears and of the cylinder head.
Source: Total
[titled_box title=”Romain’s opinion:”]
As PSA group is in a difficult situation, innovations it is communicating about could help it to get better. Indeed, a technological advantage against competitors can become a competitive edge, thus helping PSA to stop sales decrease. My question is how they will manage to reach the 49 g/km with another homologation cycle than NEDC one? And with which additional product cost?
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