Mild hybrid powertrains coming to Peugeot

PEUGEOT Australia currently has two plug-in hybrid ‘electrified’ models available in the 3008 GT Sport and the 508 GT Sport Fastback priced at $84,790 and $81,610 respectively, plus on-road costs. 

However, announced recently by Peugeot is a new, potentially cheaper mild-hybrid system developed in a joint venture between Peugeot owner Stellantis and Punch Powertrain, which will be available in the near future.

The French company is hedging its bets with the MHEV system, targeting buyers who find plug-ins and BEVs inconvenient… and expensive. 

The 3008 PHEV currently sold here has dual electric traction motors as well as a petrol engine delivering sporty performance and a claimed 60km (WTLP) of all-electric driving range via a 13.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The mid-size SUV is powered by an 81kW electric motor on the front axle and an 83kW electric motor at the rear. The dual electric motors work in conjunction with a 147kW 1.6-litre PureTech turbocharged petrol engine to provide a total system output of 222kW/520Nm.

It was the first to introduce an all-wheel-drive system to the French manufacturer’s medium SUV range through an ‘Electric Rear Axle Drive’ (e-RAD), while drive to the front axle is delivered via a petrol-electric combination.

The sleek 508 GT Fastback PHEV sold here delivers a total system output of 165kW/360Nm through the combination of a 133kW, 1.6-litre PureTech turbo-petrol engine and a single 81kW electric motor.

Drive is to the front wheels only with electric power provided by an 11.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can give up to 55km (WLTP) of all-electric driving range.

Peugeot says new ‘mild’ hybrid technology will soon start filtering through its line-up that uses a 48-volt MHEV system. It will first be offered on the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 models before being extended to other vehicles in the line-up.

Peugeot says MHEV technology will complement the already extensive family of electrified engines, including plug-in hybrid, pure electric and fuel cell variants.

The hybrid set-up comprises a new generation ‘PureTech’ 1.2-litre, 100kW/230Nm three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine coupled with a new six-speed dual-clutch electrified gearbox that incorporates a compact electric motor within its casing. The engine operates on the delayed timing Miller Cycle, uses a variable geometry turbo, and features a chain cam drive for longevity.

The MHEV utilises a 21kW/55Nm permanent magnet synchronous electric motor capable of propelling the vehicle on 100 per cent electricity for low torque requirements as well as assisting the combustion engine to reduce fuel consumption.

During deceleration, the engine acts as a generator to recharge the hybrid system's 48V battery. It also provides the main start for the combustion engine with the assistance of a belt-starter.

For convenience, the vehicle’s battery recharges while driving.

The technology provides extra torque at low engine speeds and Peugeot says it can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent while also decreasing CO2 emissions.

Using this new MHEV system the mid-size 3008 SUV is said to be capable of operating more than 50 per cent of the time in zero-emission electric mode.

The i-Cockpit handset that can be used to engage different modes, as well as informing the driver of the vehicle’s hybrid status.

The French manufacturer says the MHEV system is particularly efficient in an urban driving environment when the EV mode is employed most of the time. 

When travelling at low speeds, the electric engine provides 9kW of additional power with a one-off boost function tocompensate for turbo lag.

At speeds of more than 145km/h, the combustion engine shuts off when the driver releases the accelerator pedal either at a steady speed or when slowing down.

Most of the 48V MHEV system components are located under the car’s bonnet, with the battery positioned under the front passenger floor.

The MHEV powertrain goes into production in the second quarter of 2023 and will eventually be available across much of Peugeot’s current range of passenger vehicles. Initially it will replace the non-hybrid powertrain in the 3008 and larger 5008.

The MHEV system is expected to also become available across other Stellantis brands, including Opel/Vauxhall, DS and Citroen.