New PSA technology fuels only 2.9L per hundred kilometers

The air hybrid technology brought by PSA can be regarded as the highlight of the Shanghai auto show. This new technology, which uses compressed air and gasoline as a power source, has achieved a fuel consumption of only 2.9L per 100 kilometers. In this auto show, Citroen product director Dexi not only elaborated the working principle of air hybrid technology, but also interpreted Citroen's efforts in the Chinese market.

Is air hybrid technology a new energy technology for Citroën?

Deshi: This is a very effective energy-saving technology and is very suitable for use by Chinese urban residents. In China, cars are used more for small and medium distance driving in cities. The use of this technology in cities can literally reduce vehicle emissions and fuel consumption. In our previous tests, this type of vehicle was used in the city, and the fuel engine was nearly inactive for nearly 80% of the time, and Citroën's aerodynamics was used to significantly reduce the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the vehicle. Citroen prototype test in France, less than 3L fuel consumption per hundred kilometers.

What is the difference between air hybrid technology and hybrid technology and pure electric technology?

Deshi: Among Citroen's air hybrid systems, we use compressed air. This compressed air plays a role similar to the battery in hybrid systems and pure electric systems. The energy of the compressed air is transmitted to the wheels, using a special hydraulic transmission system. The main difference between this air hybrid system and hybrid power and pure electric technology is that in the air hybrid system, we can quickly recover energy and quickly transfer it to the wheels. We only need 10 seconds to change the 0% air ratio to the 100% compressed air ratio, which translates into energy. Citroën, for example, drives at a speed of 50 km/h and uses only a petrol engine initially, but when the Citroen brakes, the petrol engine stops spinning. During this braking process, the aerodynamic system starts to convert the stored compressed air into power. Drive the car forward.

Does air hybrid technology take into account changes in air temperature and air quality issues? How to control costs? When will the volume be produced?

Deshi: The temperature in the compressed air storage is constant, regardless of whether the car is more than 40 degrees high temperature, or low temperature below -20 degrees, will not be affected. In addition, Citroen uses not the air from the outside, but a certain amount of nitrogen in an enclosed space, and it is handled by the piston in a compressed air reservoir, it will not come into contact with the outside atmosphere, so it will not be affected by it. The impact of pollution.

Up to the current R&D stage, the additional cost of the air hybrid is two times lower than the extra cost of the electric system. This technology does not require a battery, and there is no other recycled material because it uses oil and air. At present, this technology has already completed the three-generation prototype car, and now it is already starting the fourth generation prototype test. It will probably be launched in the market in 2016.

Based on the trend of product development, how to highlight the characteristics of Citroen?

Deshi: Citroen's brand philosophy is human science and technology, to enjoy life. Innovation is our most important foundation. When we build a new car, we don't look at what the industry is doing. We look at what our competitors are doing, but instead we create something new. So Citroen has been launching new car models, and our automotive technology has always been at the forefront of the market. It is based on the actual needs of customers. We have always advocated providing users with a full range of driving comfort, detail processing of seats, sound effects processing, and control experience, which constitute the unique characteristics of the Citroen brand.

China's demand for models is not the same as in Europe. How do we balance the original taste and meet the actual needs of the Chinese people when importing new models?

Deshi: When we first build new products, we have to take a global perspective. For example, at the beginning of the design, the C4 was a hatchback designed for Europe, while the design for other countries such as China, Russia, and Latin America was a sedan. Citroën must listen to the voices of users all over the world, so Citroen knew from the beginning that China’s demand for bodywork was different. Chinese users want a longer axle and a larger rear space, which is different from Europe.