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systems. These systems—known as variable
valve timing (VVT), variable valve lift system
and timing (VVL), or Valvetronic—adjust
the timing and degree of valve opening
instantly to optimize cylinder filling and
increase engine efficiency.
Longer-term, the logical outcome of this
research will be the camless engine, in
which throttle valves will be operated by a
computer-controlled electromagnetic or
electrohydraulic system, instead of a
camshaft. With this technology, the throttle
valve and related pumping losses will be
eliminated, thereby directly reducing fuel
consumption—and with it CO 2 emissions—
by as much as 10% compared with existing
engines.
DIRECT GASOLINE INJECTION FOR
INCREASED FUEL ECONOMY
PSA Peugeot Citroën is also conducting
research into direct gasoline engine injection
that, like the camless engine, would
eliminate pumping losses linked to the
throttle valve. Another area of study is
stratified combustion, based on the
observation that a slightly richer air-fuel
mixture is needed for ignition than in other
parts of the combustion chamber. If
differentiated combustion regions can be
created on a sustainable basis, the fuel
mixture could be kept as lean as possible
to minimize fuel consumption. These
technologies could reduce consumption by
around 5%.
HYBRID VEHICLES, AN EMERGING
TECHNOLOGY
To reduce fuel consumption, hybrid vehicles
combine two sources of energy, an internal
combustion engine and an electric motor.
In June 2002, PSA Peugeot Citroën and
Electricité de France (EDF) signed a
cooperation agreement to develop electric
and hybrid vehicles and to step up research
into associated technologies. Both partners
place great importance on expanding the
use of environmentally friendly automobiles,
in particular among owners of electric
vehicle fleets, such as public authorities,
communities, and companies.
The main challenge for the future is
batteries, whose size, cost and volume can
all be improved. The next hybrid electrical
applications will be based on nickel-metalhydride
batteries. In the longer term,
though, lithium-ion batteries will overtake
them, since they potentially offer a better
energy/power ratio for equivalent volume
and a lower objective cost, after adjustments
to vehicle architecture.
The Group is taking a pragmatic, prudent
approach to three types of hybrid vehicle:
- Stop and Start vehicles, which cut the
engine whenever the car stops. By
eliminating the idling phase, this solution
PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN - MANAGING BOARD REPORT 93