Peugeot showcases 308 Diesel Hybrid HDi

Peugeot is showcasing its forthcoming 308 Hybrid HDi at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Peugeot claim the vehicle is “the environmentally friendly car for the next generation” and plan to launch it in 2010.
If the reported vehicle CO2 emissions of just 90g/km and fuel economy of 83mpg are true, then the new 308 could potentially be the most fuel-efficient car in its class and surpass the green credentials of the established Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid. With such low emissions it would also be exempt from UK road tax and receive the full 100% discount from the London Congestion Charge.

The 308 demonstrator is powered by a 1.6 HDi 110 bhp diesel engine coupled with a 22 bhp electric motor providing a maximum power output of 132 bhp, which is broadly comparable to the 308’s 2.0 litre HDi 136 bhp diesel engine. The new engine has also been designed to meet the Euro V emissions standard which comes into force in 2009.

The vehicle is started by an ignition key but, unlike a conventional car, this does not start the diesel engine. Instead, on pressing the accelerator pedal with the gearbox in automatic mode, the electric motor initially powers the vehicle. The electric drive is solely responsible for starting and driving at low speed, with both units coming into play simultaneously when required (at higher speeds and during acceleration).

If chosen by the driver, the car can be driven almost exclusively in electric mode. However, the nickel-metal hydride battery (the most popular choice for hybrids) only provides around 3km of range. To maximise this range, kinetic energy recovered during phases of deceleration and braking is used to recharge the battery pack.

All the power-train modes are controlled by a Power Train Management Unit which informs the driver in real time of the operating mode by a schematic diagram on the vehicle’s colour multifunction display. Other information is also available, including the battery charge status.

With tightening emissions regulations throughout Europe and a growing political consensus that CO2 emissions need to be significantly reduced, the 308 hybrid should be welcome news to both motorists and the automotive sector. The only question is, with the Prius already selling like hot cakes, why Peugeot are going to wait until 2010 to launch what is likely to be a highly successful green car.