PSA Peugeot Citro�n is committed to alternative energies

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PSA Peugeot Citro�n is fully aware of today's energy and environmental challenges and is working to reduce the fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of its combustion engines. For the same reasons, the Group is also developing alternative energies.

PSA Peugeot Citro�n is pursuing a realistic policy of adapting its technologies to a range of energy sources, based on market regions and local resources. Developing alternative energies is a key factor in limiting CO2 emissions - and by extension, the greenhouse effect - and thus reducing our dependence on oil. The Group is working on efficient and affordable technical solutions.

"Organic" engines

Biofuels have two key advantages. They stretch our oil reserves and cut greenhouse gas emissions by between 20% and 80% (depending on the plant, production location and climate). Biofuels are one of PSA Peugeot Citro�n's key avenues of research. These fuels are renewable energies - made from cereals, sugar beet and oil plants like colza and soy - that respect the environment. Two main families exist:

- Ethanol, a petrol-compatible alcohol
- Biodiesel, or oil methyl ester, compatible with diesel.

For ethanol, the Group recommends the use of a petrol blend containing up to 10% ethanol, which can be used with existing engine technology.

For biodiesel, PSA Peugeot Citro�n engines can run on a diesel fuel blend containing up to 30% biodiesel, for captive fleets.

In Brazil, PSA Peugeot Citro�n markets flex-fuel vehicles running on an alcohol/petrol blend containing between 20% and 100% alcohol. From 2007, the Group will launch flex-fuel vehicles operating on a blend of up to 85% alcohol (E85) that meets European standards.

Compressed natural gas (CNG): abundant world reserves

The use of compressed natural gas for vehicles (CNG) cuts CO2 emissions by 25% compared with a standard petrol engine. CO2 figures are further improved by the fact that the gas is consumed close to the site of extraction, which explains the potential of markets like Iran and China. For nearly 10 years, PSA Peugeot Citro�n has offered a range of commercial vehicles running on natural gas. The Group is expanding its offering to include passenger vehicles, such as the Berlingo, C3, and the 206 CNG assembled in Iran.

Hybrid vehicles: going further with diesel hybrids

PSA Peugeot Citro�n has already sold more than 10,000 electric vehicles. The Group is building on this expertise to develop hybrid vehicles. Studies are focused on two types of hybridisation (combining an electric motor with a combustion engine).

In the city, vehicles are at a standstill with the engine running around 30% of the time. Based on this observation, PSA Peugeot Citro�n introduced a first level of hybridisation, the Stop & Start system (STT), on vehicles such as the Citro�n C2 and C3. This technology cuts the engine and restarts it again in a split second, reducing fuel consumption in the city by up to 15%.

The Group is set to go even further in 2010 with hybrid HDi technology first presented on two demonstration vehicles - Peugeot 307 and Citro�n C4 Hybrid HDi - in early 2006. Hybrid HDi vehicles combine a 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine, particulate filter (DPFS) and new-generation Stop & Start system, with an electric motor, a power converter, high-voltage batteries and an electronic control unit. The vehicles are equipped with an automated manual gearbox.
On average, hybrid HDi vehicles consume 3,4 l of diesel per 100 km and emit 90 g CO2/km. Over a combined cycle, hybrid HDi vehicles consume one litre of fuel per 100 km less than similar vehicles fitted with a petrol hybrid drivetrain - a reduction of nearly 25%.
PSA Peugeot Citro�n will market hybrid HDi vehicles from 2010.

Developing fuel cells for the longer term

In the longer term, the automotive industry could also be changed by the fuel cell. PSA Peugeot Citro�n is working actively on this technology and has already developed several demonstration vehicles, including the Taxi PAC, H20, and Quark.
Developed in partnership with the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the GENEPAC fuel cell presented by the Group in 2006 is a prime example of this technology. By 2010, it could enable vehicles to run on hydrogen that generates electricity and gives off water.
PSA Peugeot Citro�n has set up research facilities for fuel cells. In 2006, it introduced a fuel cell unit at the Carri�res-sous-Poissy research centre. This unit is 100% dedicated to the study of fuel cells, associated technologies and drivetrains based on fuel cells.

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