Peugeot Citroen shows new petrol-air hybrid tech

PSA Peugeot Citroen has exposed details of its new petrol-compressed air hybrid drivetrain together with a new modular platform.
The hybrid system – which is called hybrid Air – combines a traditional petrol engine as well as automatic gearbox with a hydraulic pump as well as motor that are powered by compressed air.
In the setup shown in a present Citroen C3, the engine, transmission, pump as well as motor are found in the engine bay, while the compressed air is stored in a storage tank that runs between the front seats.
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The hybrid Air system can operate in zero emissions air mode, where compressed air is utilized to drive the hydraulic motor, which then turns the transmission as well as therefore the front wheels. It can likewise operate in petrol-engine-only mode, or petrol as well as air in combination.
Like a present petrol-electric hybrid, the drivetrain is digitally controlled as well as automatically selects the power source most appropriate to the driving conditions. The compressed air storage tank is refilled by the hydraulic pump under deceleration or braking.
The petrol-compressed air hybrid system will make its debut in a B-segment cars and truck in 2016 and, if utilized in the present Peugeot 208 or Citroen C3, the powertrain returns 97.4mpg as well as CO2 emissions of 69g/km.