PSA Peugeot Citroën is committed to alternative energies
PSA Peugeot Citroën is fully aware of today's energy and environmental challenges and is working to reduce the fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of its combustion engines. For the same reasons, the Group is also developing alternative energies. Biofuels, natural gas, hybridization, fuel cell, are so many additional solutions for the mobility of short, average and long term.
PSA Peugeot Citroën is pursuing a realistic policy of adapting its technologies to a range of energy sources, based on market regions and local resources. Developing alternative energies is a key factor in limiting CO2 emissions - and by extension, the greenhouse effect - and thus reducing our dependence on oil. The Group is working on efficient and affordable technical solutions.
"Organic" engines
Biofuels have two key advantages. They stretch our oil reserves and cut greenhouse gas emissions by between 20% and 80% (depending on the plant, production location and climate). They are a major priority in PSA Peugeot Citroën research. These fuels are renewable energies - made from cereals, sugar beet and oil plants like colza and soy - that respect the environment. Two main families exist:
- Ethanol, a petrol-compatible alcohol
- Biodiesel, or oil methyl ester, compatible with diesel.
 For ethanol, the Group recommends the use of a petrol blend containing up to 10% ethanol, which can be used with existing engine technology.
For biodiesel, PSA Peugeot Citroën engines can run on blends with up to 30% biodiesel, both for fleets and individual customers, subject to special maintenance and guaranteed fuel quality.
In Brazil, PSA Peugeot Citroën markets flex-fuel vehicles running on an alcohol/petrol blend containing between 20% and 100% alcohol. From 2007, the Group will launch flex-fuel vehicles operating on a blend of up to 85% alcohol (E85) that meets European standards.
But the future belongs to second-generation biofuels (Gas to Liquid fuels produced from biomass, residues or, for example, algae) that do not compete with food production. In this context, PSA Peugeot Citroën is working to adapt its engines to these second-generation non-fossil fuels while respecting limits on pollutant emissions. This research should come into industrial production by 2020.
Compressed natural gas (CNG): abundant world reserves
 The use of compressed natural gas for vehicles (CNG) cuts CO2 emissions by 25% compared with a standard petrol engine. CO2 figures are further improved by the fact that the gas is consumed close to the site of extraction, which explains the potential of markets like Iran and China. For nearly 10 years, PSA Peugeot Citroën has offered a range of commercial vehicles running on natural gas. The Group is expanding its offering to include passenger vehicles, such as the Berlingo, C3, and the 206 CNG assembled in Iran.
Hybrid vehicles: going further with diesel hybrids
PSA Peugeot Citroën has already sold more than 10,000 electric vehicles. The Group is building on this expertise to develop hybrid vehicles. Studies are focused on two types of hybridisation (combining an electric motor with a combustion engine).
 In the city, vehicles are at a standstill with the engine running around 30% of the time. Based on this observation, PSA Peugeot Citroën introduced a first level of hybridisation, the Stop & Start system (STT), on vehicles such as the Citroën C2 and C3. This technology cuts the engine and restarts it again in a split second, reducing fuel consumption in the city by up to 15%.
This technology will be rolled out massively in Peugeot and Citroën ranges from 2010.
The Group will go further in 2011 with HYbrid4 technology. This new diesel hybrid architecture, presented on the Peugeot Prologue and Citroën Hypnos at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, is eth continuation of the HDi hybrid research programme presented on two demonstration vehicles, the 307 and C4 Hybrid HDi in early 2006. HYbrid4 optimises the diesel hybrid powertrain and also boasts an all-new four-wheel drive mode, bringing more value to the additional cost of the hybrid. This technology can be applied to different range levels. But given its extra cost, it will be available initially on the Group’s distinctive and premium mid- and upper-range models.
HYbrid4 technology combines a 2-litre HDi diesel engine fitted with a particulate filter (DPFS), and a high-voltage Stop & Start system, together with an electric motor on the rear axle, a power inverter, high-voltage batteries and a dedicated electronic control unit. Transmission is via an automated manual gearbox.
Average fuel consumption for a mid-sized crossover vehicle equipped with HYbrid4, like the Peugeot Prologue, will be roughly 4.1 l/100 km (diesel), with CO2 emissions at a low 109 g/km, equivalent to those of a Peugeot 107. This is a remarkable figure for a vehicle of this size, 25% lower than that of a similar vehicle equipped with a petrol hybrid powertrain. PSA Peugeot Citroën will market Hybrid4 technology from 2011 on Peugeot and Citroën vehicles.
Find out more about Stop & Start: watch the video
Find out more about the Hybrid4 : watch the video
Developing fuel cells for the longer term
In the longer term, the automotive industry could also be changed by the fuel cell. PSA Peugeot Citroën is working actively on this technology and has already developed several demonstration vehicles, including the Taxi PAC, H20, Quark, H2Origin, 307 Fisypac, etc.
 Developed in partnership with the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the GENEPAC fuel cell presented by the Group in 2006 is a prime example of this technology. By 2010, it could enable vehicles to run on hydrogen that generates electricity and gives off water.
PSA Peugeot Citroën has set up research facilities for fuel cells. In 2006, it introduced a fuel cell unit at the Carrières-sous-Poissy research centre. This unit is 100% dedicated to the study of fuel cells, associated technologies and drivetrains based on fuel cells and fitting a fuel cell powertrain on a vehicle.
PSA Peugeot Citroën presented the Peugeot Partner H2Origin in 2008 in partnership with Intelligent Energy, demonstrating all the Group’s expertise in integrating a fuel cell able to ensure ignition at very low temperatures. PSA Peugeot Citroën is set to take another step forward in range and driving pleasure on zero-emission vehicles, presenting in early 2009 a Peugeot 307 CC fuel cell demonstration vehicle, storing hydrogen at 700 bars and equipped with a lithium-ion battery for extra-long range.
Find out more about vehicle fuel cells:
How does it work?
GENEPAC: watch the video
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