Bosch, a leading global technology company, has supplied components for the electrical powertrains for the new diesel hybrid vehicles from French automaker Peugeot.

The world’s first vehicle to feature a diesel engine combined with an electric motor is the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 4 and the Citroën DS5.

Combining a diesel engine with an electric motor reduces fuel consumption by as much as 35 per cent. In addition, having the front axle driven by the combustion engine and the rear axle by the electric motor results in four-wheel drive.

PSA Peugeot Citroën worked closely with Bosch to develop the electrical components – motor, power electronics, and high-voltage generator – as well as the special design of the ESP electronic stability program that is needed for hybrid vehicles.

However, this collaboration did not end with development work. Bosch now supplies the hybrid system for the two PSA hybrid vehicles.

“Our congratulations to PSA on this important European award. We are pleased to be able to launch this innovative technology with a partner like PSA,” said Franz Fehrenbach, the chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch.

A strategic partnership agreement for diesel hybrid technology has been in place between PSA Peugeot Citroën and Robert Bosch since 2008. Under this agreement, Bosch develops, makes ready for series production, and supplies electric motors and drive electronics for these vehicles.

PSA Peugeot Citroën in the field of diesel hybrid technology was given recently in the form of the prestigious “Green Steering Wheel” award.

The “Green Steering Wheel” award is conferred in the “environment” category for the best automotive eco-innovation of the year.

When production of the 3008 HYbrid4 gets underway, Peugeot will become the first automaker in the world to launch series production of a hybrid diesel passenger car.

The 3008 HYbrid4 Crossover can cover 100 kilometers on only 3.8 litres of diesel, equivalent to a CO2 output of just 99 grams per kilometer. But this economy is not achieved at the expense of performance. As a result, the spacious diesel hybrid goes from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 8.5 seconds.

The 3008 HYbrid4 can complete short urban journeys with zero noise and exhaust emissions – covering about four kilometers solely in electric mode. Rough terrain and snowy inclines present no problem for the vehicle either, thanks to its elegant all-wheel drive capability. – TradeArabia News Service