As mainstream as hybrids are right now, the technology is still seen with a lot of public scepticism, especially with regards to its batteries. Cue PSA with its revolutionary hybrid system that works without the dreaded power cells or in fact, electric motors and yet manages to deliver exceptional fuel economy of less than 3 litres per 100 km.
Eh, how’s that work then? Not like a conventional hybrid for starters. At least not as we know it.
Fundamentally it’s simple enough to explain: instead of using battery-powered electric motors to assist the internal-combustion engine, PSA’s Hybrid Air technology utilises a compressed air energy storage unit driving a hydraulic pump/motor to provide driving power to the wheels.
Going without the worrisome battery, Hybrid Air promises a reduced environmental footprint (bypasses the need for rare raw materials), more affordable pricing (it’s less complicated hence cheaper to manufacture) and effectively no impact on cabin space (no more large and weighty battery to be packaged into the vehicle).
Further benefits include a constant level of efficiency, regardless of weather or driving conditions while servicing operations and end-of-life recycling are also simplified as compared to conventional battery-laden hybrids.
Citroën will be showcasing a full-scale C3 VTi 82 prototype fitted with the system at its stand at the Geneva Motor Show. The Citroën C3 Hybrid Air produces CO2 emissions of just 69 grammes per kilometre with fuel consumption reduced by a third to achieve a record-breaking 2.95 litres per 100 km over a combined cycle. In urban driving, fuel consumption and CO2 are reduced by 45% compared with a vehicle solely fitted with the same internal combustion engine.
It autonomously and continuously cycles between three different driving modes – Air, Petrol and Combined – to optimise energy efficiency. In Air mode which is limited to 70 km/h, it’s a zero-emission vehicle using just the compressed air as fuel. With both the system and the three-pot 1.2 litre petrol engine working in tandem, a combined output of more than 120 hp is on offer.
The compressed energy tank is filled in two ways. On deceleration (on braking or releasing the accelerator), the speed is reduced not by application of the brake pads to the brake discs but by the resistance to the compression of the air in this accumulator. The alternative consists of using the petrol engine to compress the air. In both cases, the maximum energy capacity of the unit is reached very quickly – in just ten seconds.
PSA and Citroën in particular aren’t strangers to pioneering automotive breakthroughs. The new Hybrid Air technology joins a long list of PSA world firsts, including the diesel particulate filter, engine stop/start system and most recently, diesel/electric hybrid vehicles.
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very promising indeed…
Stupid technology that make no sense
Fanstactic tech for the environment. Kudos to PSC
Interesting. Looking forward for more technical details. (e.g. range, reliability, etc.)
It reminds me of Disc Channel on Astro..a scientist invented a car powered by a pneumatic cylinder..powered by compressed air stored inside pressure vessels inside the car.however, it was too slow and manage to move 60km/h. Anyway, this hybrids looks more promising though..thumbs up!
Wow congratulation citroen!!! Bdw Hydraulic suspension is FIRST developed by citroen and naw erry luxury and sports car manufacturer has adopted this technology for better comfort and handling level. Now my dad will be the proudest owner of a citroen haha. Hopefully Naza will bring a strong marque image to citroen under their wing. cant wait to see the new DS5 in malaysia!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydropneumatic_suspension
hybrid? this idea already start 7 years ago, nothing new about this but i’m happy if they goona make it happen for now
No you are wrong… Hybrid already started long time ago… Just it is not so famous until now due to raising cost of living, fuel & environment friendly awareness..
http://www.hybridcars.com/history-of-hybrid-vehicles/
with concerns of battery lifespan, costs, added weight and space usage in the current hybrids, this is a surprise welcome to us consumers.
the question is, how fast will the tech reach the consumers.
If it is fully charged in 10 seconds, how long can you use it before it runs out of steam? 10 seconds? Reminds me of KERS.
I thought the same thing. Maybe they can install more than just 1 unit since it can recharge itself pretty quick.
Ya I heard about this technology years ago as well, particularly useful for delivery vans which have a lot of start/stop activity in the city. Not sure why it wasn’t commercialized earlier but good to see that it’s finally being developed.
its a great news indeed…. hopefully this concept will be commercialized…… human race has been relying on oil for too long…. and petrol/diesel internal combustion engine its not efficient at all…..
i would like to suggest all bloggers to watch this tube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEV5AFFcZ-s or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MSEHQVRIug
How much torque can it generated in air mode only?
Looks promising. Welcome.
I don’t actually understand how it works. Air is not combustible. and what if the car runs out of air, how do they fill it in? “air” station? that’s gonna cost more money right?
Think of a balloon. Air is pumped in when there is excess energy, and when needed the air is released, powering the wheels.
Just a Scuderi Cycle engine. Not really a new tech. http://www.scuderigroup.com/
Nah..It not practical, soon we are competing with our own vehicles for air ! Then we have to find alternative sources to breath
We could explain it to you at length here, but since you’re already a Dr, we must try not insult your intelligence here. Maybe you can consult your teenage kid who has inherited half the mother’s gene at least
innovative…
Nah..it not practical, soon we gonna compete with our own vehicles for air! then next thing we have to find alternative sources to breath
Since others brand announcement their hybrid model.This is reason why peugeot and citreon still silent about their Hybrid model!!!
At 70 km/h, how long it can go on air?
How will Tesla Motors respond to this new tech?
With this…
http://gizmodo.com/5985269/how-graphene-could-transform-the-gadgets-of-the-future
This would be far superior than the current petrol/electric hybrids.
Its far simpler, lighter and safer (batteries catch fire)….besides, you really don’t want too much electronics in a wet area….
…and about wet areas, I’m sure some ingenious fellow would fit an inflatable dingy so it turns into a boat the next time the LDP decides to turn into a lake……. :p
but the pressurized air in the tank is similarly dangerous if not properly handled. plus it’ll be exposed with rapid temperature change. so despite it’s simple concept, the implementation is rather complex.
I’ve seen motors that run on compressed air. One drawback is that it’s noisy. I’m curious to see how they handle that.