Hybrids: Critical positioning
Placing hybrid systems on the rear axle helps packaging and can make the powertrain more versatile, say some OEMs. But others back front-axle hybrids
James Scoltock in Focus.
- Published in Focus.
Many OEMs are adding an electric motor to the combustion engine to increase fuel efficiency
Hybrid technology has already joined the mainstream with cars like the Toyota Prius sedan and Lexus 400h SUV. And more and more OEMs are taking advantage of the benefits of adding an electric motor to the combustion engine to increase fuel efficiency and decrease CO2 emissions. But different OEMs have different ideas about where that technology should be placed – on the front or rear axle.
Vehicles such as the Toyota Prius have the motor in the engine bay, while the battery pack is housed at the rear. It works for them, but other OEMs such as PSA, Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover have tried something different – with varying degrees of success.
PSA’s HYbrid4 system houses all the hybrid systems at the rear of the vehicle – the battery, motor and power management – making packaging easier and even giving its vehicles the possibility of all wheel-drive.
With the help of Tier One supplier GKN, PSA will launch its first rear-axle hybrid next year on the Peugeot 3008 crossover vehicle, and this could be followed by many more, pushing CO2 emissions down to below 100g/km.
Not everyone is convinced that rear-axle hybrids are the best option but Vincent Basso, head of PSA’s full hybrid programme, thinks they offer greater benefits than front-axle hybrids.
“The problem with a front-axle hybrid is that there isn’t enough space to put the electric motor between the gearbox and the engine in cars with an east/west powertrain architecture,” he says.
PSA will launch it first rear-axle hybrid next year on the Peugeot 3008
