Peugeot & Total to unveil composites-made hybrid car

The Research and Development teams the two partners rose brilliantly to the challenge proposed by establishing a remarkable level of performance, based on a production PEUGEOT 208 hatchback: 0 to 100km/h / 0 to 62mph in 8.0 seconds and CO2 of just 49g/km over the official NEDC European Drive Cycle (Combined Cycle figure). Numerous innovations are implemented in several areas:

Composite materials

The 208 HYbrid FE benefits from the latest material innovations developed by the Polymers Division of the Refining-Chemicals department at Total, as well as by its two subsidiaries CCP Composites and Hutchinson.

Taken from the end of the assembly line, the 208 retains its metal structure. Composite components replace bodywork panels and the floor, further reducing the weight of the body shell from 295 to 227kg. The one-piece outer skin (weighing just 20kg), the flat base (8kg), the door panels (c2kg) and the lower front panel are made from carbon fibre.

The bonnet (5kg) and the wings (c2.1kg) are constructed from a composite VER/Carbon, a material which is half the weight but with comparable structural properties. It is obtained from a new type of resin which can be used untreated, painted or colour-dyed.

Finally, with the exception of the door windows, the glazing uses polycarbonate to further save 5kg. The 208 HYbrid FE innovates in its use as this material has up until now be reserved for headlight lenses. It reduces the weight by more than 50% compared to conventional glass.

Innovative suspension and wheels

The 208 HYbrid FE rests on innovative pseudo MacPherson suspension with a ‘glass fibre resin’ composite transverse located blade. It replaces several components: suspension springs, lower wishbones and anti-roll bar. The front blade also has varying flexibility along its length. Designed and produced by Hutchinson, using these two blades saves 20kg.

Due to their dimensions, the 145/65 R19 wheels themselves reduce the rolling resistance by 20%. They also require less effort on the steering wheel to direct them, making steering assistance superfluous: saving in space under the bonnet, fuel consumption and extra weight. The wheels are fitted onto low friction bearings assisted by special Total grease.

The wheel rims house large brake discs 380mm in diameter and 9.6mm thick. They are rigged with two-piston callipers, 44.5mm at the front and 31.8mm at the rear.

On braking, the reduced effort on the pedaland the intervention of the electric motor mean that the supplementary braking assistance can be eliminated.

Peugeot