'Efficient-C' diesel hybrid Citroen Berlingo MPV
Submitted by Ricardo Plc on 1 May, 2007 - 13:08
This Berlingo - code named Efficient-C - is Ricardo's successful attempt to meet the UK Department for Transport's Ultra Low Carbon Car Challenge. Current EC guidelines suggest that manufacturers should be looking to reduce carbon emissions to 130g/km by 2012. The Efficient-C delivers only 99g/km. And an advantage of the hybrid system is that driver (and pedestrian) stress is reduced - just peace and quiet when stationary.
As well as the world's first diesel passenger car (part-developed by Harry Ricardo) the technology firm showed off two experimental diesel hybrid vehicles -- a micro diesel hybrid Transit van (developed in conjunction with Ford, Valeo and Gates Corporations) and a full diesel hybrid Citroen Berlingo MPV (developed in conjunction with Qinetiq and PSA Peugeot Citroen).
"Hybrids are about making the most efficient use of the fuel in the tank. All the energy is derived from the fuel,"
Anthony Smith, Ricardo
"The micro hybrid van captures braking energy. For urban traffic, that delivery vans like these face, these can be phenomenally fuel-efficient. We have managed to generate savings on fuel consumption of up to 21 per cent.
Its clever engine control system uses the diesel engine only at its maximum efficiency. So as well as capturing braking energy, the control system will also decide if there are times that the most efficient use of the engine might be to run on full power and recharge the batteries.
The price of these Lithium-Ion batteries are the obstacle to putting cars such as the Efficient-C into immediate production.
"This is part of the challenge for Hybrids," says Smith. "Factoring-in mass production, this technology would make the vehicle £3000 ($6000) more expensive than the base-line diesel. That's more than the average consumer is prepared to spend. If it was £1500 it would become economically-viable."
Hybrid video
Sir Stirling Moss and others discuss technology and driving experience, plus how to get all the benefits of a hybrid without actually having to buy one.
