U.K. Efficient-C project delivers ultra-low carbon car
After nearly three years of development, a U.K.-based team led by specialist engineering company Ricardo has delivered a full-hybrid diesel version of Citroen's Berlingo. Built in response to the U.K. Department of Transport's Ultra Low Carbon Car Challenge, the fully-equipped van emits just 99 grams/km CO2 (equivalent to more than 75 mpg).The full-hybrid version delivers a 30 percent improvement in fuel economy and CO2 emissions over the equivalent diesel-powered vehicle. In a lighter sedan-style vehicle, the same powertrain is projected to deliver over 80 mpg-equivalent fuel economy.
The mix of technologies in the project vehicle include:
- PSA Peugeot Citroen's 1.6-liter turbo diesel
- a 23 kW 288 volt DC electric motor, fitted between the engine and the transmission, for torque assist, power generation, regenerative braking and low-speed all-electric operation
- a 5-speed manual transmission
- a 288 volt Lithium-ion battery pack and battery management system
- a supervisory control system to coordinate vehicle systems to meet driver demands while optimizing fuel economy
- electric air-conditioning, electro-hydraulic power steering, and cooling for the electrical systems
[Source: Ricardo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James Sonne 10:26AM (6/04/2006)
CO2 per kilometer is not a fuel economy equivalent, but an emission designation.
Reply
GhostDoggy 10:35AM (6/04/2006)
Does this thing meet EU and or USA emissions for the vehicle class its lassified for? Just curious. If it did, I bet they'd sell a million units in USA.
Reply
Dave 11:36AM (6/04/2006)
#2) except for the fact that its as ugly as an aztek.
Reply
Mattias 11:38AM (6/04/2006)
Probably no US Emission standards since the US requires lower NOx emissions (other types of emissions are allowed to be higher). To reach US emission standards a urea system would have to be fitted.
Reply
CH 3:35PM (6/04/2006)
#1
The CO2 emissions can be calculated from the fuel economy for a known type of fuel. That's the equivalence to which the article refers.
Reply
zeroSignal 3:35PM (6/04/2006)
That's quite cool. It's only a matter of time before a Diesel Hybrid goes into serial production, and it will blow the self-centered, patronising Prius out of the water.
I'm still waiting to see what will happen when they make a hybrid out of the 1.4 HDi engine. That already does 65 mpg.
Reply
naggs 9:35PM (6/04/2006)
it took 3 years to make a protype disel that produces less carbon dioxide? i am very unimpressed.
Reply