PSA Peugeot Citroën developing 48V mild hybrid solution for 2017

Elements of the PSA mild Eco Hybrid system. Click to enlarge.

At its Innovation Day in Paris—at which the company described its Air Hybrid technology and rollout plans—PSA Peugeot Citroën also showcased a next-generation mild-hybrid technology that significantly reduces fuel consumption, by 10% to 15% for an equivalent engine, and CO₂, by 15 g/km, compared with its e-HDi technology.

The Group’s Eco Hybrid system is compatible with gasoline and diesel engines and will be fitted on its vehicles starting in 2017.

The system combines a 10 kW electric motor with a 48V Li-ion battery. The electric motor can drive the vehicle alone at speeds of less than 20 km/h (12 mph)—for example, when parking or leaving a car park—and supply additional power under acceleration. This solution is compatible with gasoline and diesel engines mated with manual or automatic gearboxes.

The rationale behind the development is to offer customers a vehicle that consumes significantly less fuel through the development of a technology that is accessible to the greatest number due to a lower cost.

The system is suited to segment B, C and D vehicles.

PSA says that the Eco Hybrid is a natural development of its e-HDi technology for customers. The technology is a co-development with suppliers Valeo, Bosch and Continental.