PSA Peugeot Citroen has unveiled two prototype diesel-electric hybrid cars.

The company claims the Peugeot 307 and the Citroen C4 Hybride HDi will have a diesel consumption of 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres, with 90 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometre.

The French firm states that these figures are 25 per cent better than for a similar vehicle equipped with a petrol hybrid system.

The vehicles are equipped with a Stop & Start system that allows them to start up and drive using only the HDi diesel engine should the electric component be temporarily flat.

For main road and motorway driving, the electric motor is capable of offering a 35 per cent increase in power.

The company told just-auto.com that a diesel hybrid could provide "a step change in terms of fuel economy, because it combines the exceptional efficiency of the diesel engine, used over its optimum operating range, with an electric motor suited to urban driving."

PSA Peugeot Citroen believes it could be producing Hybride HDi vehicles by 2010 dependent on the technology being available for a reasonable price.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd