A step beyond conventional hybrids, Peugeot gears up for production of the new HYbrid4 hybrid diesel 4WD prototype. The 3008 HYbrid4 crossover vehicle is scheduled for release to the European market summer 2011. Similar to the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight concept, the 3008 HYbrid4 will use regenerative power from braking to charge a lithium battery pack for the rear wheels and the diesel engine to drive the front wheels.
Register Hardware‘s Car Tech explains, that “the benefits of this system are many: the electric motor can be used either as a power boost; as sole motive power when pootling around town at low speed; to provide four-wheel drive without the usual drive shafts and differentials; or to cut fuel consumption on the open road.”
The diesel-electric technology will not only provide better fuel economy with an expect 68 mpg, but also reduce carbon emissions by up to 35%, according to Peugeot.
Read more about HYbrid4 technology from AutoBlog Green.
