Although diesels and hybrids are the current pinnacles of fuel-efficient technologies, no automaker has yet coupled the two in a road-going model. However, that will change early next decade as PSA Peugeot Citroen has signed a deal with Bosch to produce a production diesel hybrid.
Under the agreement, Bosch will supply the French automaker with a hybrid drivetrain – including electric motors and electric systems – and will also supply PSA with ABS and ESP systems.
Citroen previewed its diesel-hybrid technology at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in the form of the Hypnos Hybrid concept. That show car produced 200 horsepower yet returned about 68 mpg.
Interestingly, all of the automaker’s diesel-hybrids will utilize all-wheel drive, but in a rather unconventional way. Because a typical AWD system adds weight and therefore reduces fuel efficiency, Peugeot/Citroen’s models will use the internal combustion engine to power the front wheels while the electric motor will power the rear wheels – eliminating the need for extra drivetrain components, such as transfer cases or driveshafts.
Look for the first PSA Peugeot Citroen diesel-hybrids to hit the market in 2011.
