World’s first diesel hybrid

Have you ever wondered why there isn’t a diesel / electric hybrid car?  Up to now the reason has been cost, as having a diesel engine which costs more than a petrol engine and then adding another electric motor to the setup has made the idea fail to make economic sense.  Now it seems that Peugeot have come up with a car that will both justify the increased price tag and keep their accountants happy.

Whilst this is not a new Peugeot, this is a vast improvement on the Peugeot 3008 from which the hybrid has sprung.  The Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 (and the clue is in the name) takes the existing two wheel drive Peugeot 3008 and gives it the four wheel drive ability by having the diesel engine power the front wheels and the electric motor the rear wheels.

Another payoff of the extra weight (the car will be over 100 kg heavier than the ‘normal’ Peugeot 3008) is that the automatic gearbox will benefit from a smoothing effect when changing gear.  The standard automatic transmission car has a short loss of power whilst changing gear, with the new drive system these power dips are filled with motive force from the electric motor.

The main reason for buying this car is in its green credentials.  The fuel economy rises from around 45 miles per gallon (mpg) to 60 mpg and best of all the CO2 emissions are reduced from 146 g/km in the 2.0 litre HDi 3008 to 109 g/km which will drop this vehicle into the £120 VED band C. The Hybrid can also travel for around two and a half miles in silent mode and up to 30 miles per hour. This makes this vehicle perfect for the urban driver, where, unfortunately speed restrictions may result in lower gears and a quieter engine may be appreciated in built up areas.