Peugeot Citroen shows new petrol-air hybrid tech

PSA Peugeot Citroen has revealed a new platform and hybrid drivetrain

PSA Peugeot Citroen has revealed details of its new petrol-compressed air hybrid drivetrain alongside a new modular platform.

The hybrid system - which is called Hybrid Air - combines a conventional petrol engine and automatic gearbox with a hydraulic pump and motor that are powered by compressed air.

In the setup shown in a current Citroen C3, the engine, transmission, pump and motor are located in the engine bay, while the compressed air is stored in a tank that runs between the front seats.

The Hybrid Air system can operate in zero emissions air mode, where compressed air is used to drive the hydraulic motor, which then turns the transmission and thus the front wheels. It can also operate in petrol-engine-only mode, or petrol and air in combination.

Like a current petrol-electric hybrid, the drivetrain is electronically controlled and automatically selects the power source most appropriate to the driving conditions. The compressed air tank is refilled by the hydraulic pump under deceleration or braking.

The petrol-compressed air hybrid system will make its debut in a B-segment car in 2016 and, if used in the current Peugeot 208 or Citroen C3, the powertrain returns 97.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 69g/km.

PSA Peugeot Citroen claims that the Hybrid Air drivetrain offers a 45 per cent improvement in fuel economy in urban driving over a conventional petrol engine, thanks to the fact that the air system powers the car between 60 and 80 per cent of the time at speeds below 43mph.

The firm also claims that the Hybrid Air system can extend a car’s range by up to 90 per cent, and gives overall fuel savings of around 35 per cent.

PSA is looking to use the Hybrid Air technology in B-segment cars like the Peugeot 208 and Citroen C3 with an 82bhp petrol engine; and C-segment cars like the Peugoet 308 and Citroen C4 with a 110bhp petrol engine. The arrival of the new tech marks a step forward in the firm's goal of developing and marketing a 2l/100km (141.2mpg) car by 2020.

PSA Peugeot Citroen also showed its new EMP2 platform. Short for Efficient Modular Platform 2 and similar in concept to the VW Group’s new MQB setup, the new underpinnings can be used for hatchback, saloon, coupe, convertible, estate, MPV and SUV bodystyles. The C and D-segment platform is set to be used for around 50 per cent of PSA’s cars, but will be used first for the new Citroen C4 Picasso and Peugeot 308.

PSA claims that the new EMP2 is up to 70kg lighter than the platforms it replaces, and will help to cut CO2 emissions by up to 22 per cent.

Recommended

Peugeot 208 Rallye mock-up could get a UK release
Peugeot 208 Rallye - front static
News

Peugeot 208 Rallye mock-up could get a UK release

A Swiss Peugeot dealer is leaning into the brand’s hot hatch heritage with its own special 208 ‘Rallye’. Might the UK get something similar?
30 Nov 2023
New Peugeot E-208 2023 facelift review: boosted range and a funky new face
Peugeot e-208 - front tracking
Road tests

New Peugeot E-208 2023 facelift review: boosted range and a funky new face

The e-208's new looks are attractive, but its high price dampens the appeal
16 Nov 2023
Deal of the Day: comfy Citroen C3 dips under £170 per month!
Citroen C3 1.2 PureTech You! front corner
News

Deal of the Day: comfy Citroen C3 dips under £170 per month!

Grab a bargain lease on this fantastic supermini – and for only £1,500 up front
30 Oct 2023
Refreshed 2024 Peugeot 208 and E-208 go on sale with a new face and tweaked features
Peugeot e-208 - front
News

Refreshed 2024 Peugeot 208 and E-208 go on sale with a new face and tweaked features

Specifications for Peugeot’s stylish pair of superminis now confirmed starting at £20,400
19 Oct 2023

Most Popular

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost
Jaguar XF Sportbrake - front tracking
Road tests

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost

Jaguar's XF Sportbrake may be 8 years old but it just got a whole lot cheaper!
7 Dec 2023
New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power
Nissan Qashqai exclusive image - front
News

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power

Major investment in Nissan’s Sunderland plant underpins the new fourth-generation Qashqai
8 Dec 2023
Polestar 4 awarded Car Design of the Year by Car Design News
Polestar 4 - front studio
News

Polestar 4 awarded Car Design of the Year by Car Design News

Car design’s most auspicious peer-awarded prize goes to Polestar 4, while Dacia Manifesto wins Concept Design of the Year
7 Dec 2023