Peugeot hybrids nearing reality

Hybrid 3 Evolution Concept

The idea of Peugeot hybrid cars has been around for a few years now and some time in 2011 a few models should become reality.

The 118 mpg HYbrid3 Evolution scooter concept could be the basis for some of those hybrids. The Evolution utilizes a 4-horsepower electric motor in each of its two front wheels coupled with a 41-horsepower gasoline engine, and a lithium ion battery pack.

This basic hybrid configuration will probably be the basis for some of Peugoet's first hybrid cars. Of course, larger engines and motors will be utilized.

Still, this scooter seems to hint that Peugeot might develop more than just diesel hybrids, as this scooter is powered by a gasoline engine. Likewise, Peugeot recently contracted with Sanyo for enough NiMH batteries to build tens of thousands of hybrids per year, so the battery issue still seems a bit unclear.

Peugeot's diesel hybrids set for 2011

A diesel hybrid concept from Peugeot

Peugeot will begin selling hybrid cars in 2011 according to new reports. Accordingly, Peugeot will partner with Bosch to build a number of diesel hybrid vehicles. InsideLine reports, "Bosch will supply Peugeot with electric motors and the electronic systems for PSA Peugeot Citroën's four-wheel-drive diesel hybrids. The company will also supply the anti-lock braking system and electronic stability program to maximize energy recovery."

Peugeot changes hybrid course to luxury

Not for the masses?

Due to a cut in government funding, PSA Peugeot Citroen will both delay the launch of its diesel hybrid vehicles and move its focus towards high end luxury hybrids, rather than a mass-market solution, such as the 308 HDI hybrid (more).

VW going all-hybrid?

Every VW will come in a hybrid option?

There has been a persistent rumor floating around on the Internet that VW will offer a hybrid option on all of its vehicles. Rumors. Rumors. Rumors.

Maybe a year or so ago, VW announced a line of hybrid vehicles only to significantly reduce those plans shortly thereafter. In the next few years, I think VW is far more focused on clean diesel rather than hybrids.

Thus, I don't think VW has any specific hybrid plans, other than for the Touareg.

Nonetheless, by 2010, both Peugeot and Mercedes will start rolling out diesel hybrids, such as the 308 HDI diesel hybrid or the E300 BlueTec diesel hybrid, and it appears that Mercedes is becoming very serious about diesel hybrids.

So, VW is paying attention.

And, who can blame them? With the greenhouse gas legislation being proposed by the EU, diesel hybrids might be the only way forward for European automakers.

Lucky Europe: Clean diesel hybrids

The E300 BlueTec diesel hybrid

Diesels versus hybrids? Nonsense! The best diesel vehicles will be clean diesel hybrid vehicles, and by 2010 a number of them will be hitting the streets, well, at least in Europe.

While the Ford Reflex diesel hybrid was probably the first diesel hybrid to really get me excited about such vehicles, a number of other players have recently entered the hybrid fray.

At the Frankfurt Auto Show, Peugeot announced that it would begin production on diesel hybrids, such as the Peugeot 308 HDI diesel hybrid, in 2010, but it is the diesel hybrids from Mercedes that really have my attention, such as the Mercedes E300 BlueTec diesel hybrid.

A 46 mpg luxury hybrid? Are you kidding me?

Clean diesel hybrids are coming, ladies and gentlemen, let's just hope they find their way into America!

Peugeot sets hybrid production date

Coming in 2010?

Sometime in 2010, Peugeot will begin production on diesel hybrid vehicles. One of the first might be the Peugeot 308 HDI hybrid. According to Car&Driver, "new 308 hybrid HDi has a 107-hp 1.6-liter diesel engine mated to a 21-hp electric motor. On the EU combined cycle, the 308 is rated at a whopping 69 mpg."