01 Mar 06
We recently drove hybrid diesel-electric prototype versions of the Peugeot 307 hatchback and Citroen C4, confirmed for production in 2010, but Peugeot has chosen to showcase its diesel-electric hybrid system in Geneva within a 307 CC. The coupe-cabriolet bodystyle was selected, apparently, to demonstrate that a hybrid powertrain could be accommodated in such a vehicle without compromising cabin space or load capacity.
The 307 CC HybrideHDI is claimed to have a total power output and performance comparable to the standard 2.0-litre, 136bhp diesel version currently on offer, yet it uses the smaller 1.6-litre 110bhp HDI unit and returns fuel economy improved by 30% (up to 70.6mpg). That's thanks to the addition of a battery-driven 31kW electric moto, and the Stop-Start engine shut-down system, as offered in the Citroen C3, which cuts the engine when idling and automatically restarts again when required.
As in petrol-electric hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, the batteries do not need recharging, as they capture the energy lost under normal braking. The 307 CC Hybride HDI, however, not only offers fuel economy greater than that achievable by a comparable petrol-electric hybrid, but can also run for extended periods of time in electric-only mode. This can effectively turn it into a zero-emissions vehicle around town - and it has the added environmental benefit that ultimately, a diesel engine can be run on organically produced sustainable biodiesel, rather than fossil-source fuels.
