Efficient-C research project delivers ultra-low carbon emission powertrain

The two year Efficient-C programme has culminated in the delivery of a full-hybrid diesel demonstrator vehicle emitting just 99 g/km CO 2 (equivalent to 3.75 litres per 100km or over 75mpg) based on a fully featured Citro?n Berlingo Multispace family car. This is a significant leap forward of 30 per cent improvement in fuel economy and CO 2 emissions when compared to the equivalent diesel production vehicle. Furthermore the same diesel hybrid powertrain fitted in a C-segment 5 door saloon would only emit 90g tank-to-wheel CO 2 .

The 5 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 Citro?n 1.6 litre HDi, turbo-charged and inter-cooled 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 5-speed automated manual transmission delivering cost-effective automatic functionality.

An advanced 288 volt Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack and battery management system to monitor state-of-charge, cell temperature, and cell voltage balance.

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

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

Alain Klein, Director of Hybrid Vehicles Development at PSA Peugeot Citro?n, said: ?We are delighted with the results from this research project which demonstrates the potential for a step change in CO 2 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.?