Peugeot 3008 HYbrid 4

The Peugeot 3008 Crossover, with HYbrid4 technology, is the first diesel 'Full Hybrid' production car in the world.

The idea is to combine a diesel engine for better economy in normal driving, with the potential of zero emission in urban areas.

Powered by a 2.0 litre 163 bhp HDi diesel engine and a 37 bhp electric motor, it can return 74.4 mpg with 99 g/km of CO2.

The 3008 Hybrid4 comes with four different operating modes: ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle), Four-wheel drive, Auto and Sport.

The combined power of the HDi diesel engine and electric motor can be used for acceleration or for when an immediate surge of power is required.

The maximum combined power output is 200 bhp, 163 bhp from the 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine and 37 bhp from the electric motor. A maximum torque of 500 Nm is available, split with 300Nm at the front from the HDi diesel engine and 200 Nm at the rear generated by the electric motor.

Auto mode means that the entire system is automatically controlled, including operation of the HDi diesel engine and the electric motor.

ZEV mode (Zero Emission Vehicle) provides access to an extensive all-electric mode.

Four-wheel drive mode (4WD) results in both powertrains operating together when possible; the rear wheels are driven by the electric motor and the front wheels by the HDi diesel engine.

Sport mode has quicker gear changes at higher engine speeds than normal mode, and couples the diesel engine with the electric motor to provide more dynamic performance, using four-wheel drive.

The car comes with Peugeot's electronically-controlled 6-speed manual gearbox and a second-generation stop & start system.

The HDi diesel engine operates most efficiently on longer, out-of-town journeys. The electric motor takes over from the diesel engine in phases of lower power demands, particularly when pulling away, driving at low speed and decelerating (for energy recovery).

Changeover from the HDi diesel engine to the electric motor occurs automatically, due to a stop & start system which places the HDi diesel engine in standby and restarts it as and when conditions require.

The electric motor and its ancillary equipment are fitted at the rear of the vehicle, which allows four-wheel drive. The HDi diesel engine drives the front wheels, while the electric motor (in the rear drivetrain) drives the rear wheels. Everything is controlled electronically and there are no mechanical links between the front and the rear drivetrains.

The 3008 HYbrid4 will be marketed in the spring of 2011 in Europe and Green-Car-Guide sees this as an important new technology.


Keywords: Peugeot 3008 HYbrid 4