Peugeot is set to expand its hybrid offering in the next few years to plug-in diesel-electric models and could also introduce diesel-electric commecial vehicles.

The first manufacturer to launch a diesel-electric hybrid model has announced the 508 RXH, a diesel-electric hybrid based on the 508 SW, which will join the 3008 Hybrid4 and the 508 Hybrid4 in the UK in 2012.

The Hybrid4 powertrain currently uses a 163bhp 2.0-litre HDi diesel driving the front wheels in conjunction with an electric motor driving the rear wheels, producing up to 200bhp in total.

In the 3008 and 508 saloon it results in CO2 emissions from 99g/km and fuel consumption on the combined cycle of up to 74.3mpg, with some zero-emissions running at low speed with the electric motor alone driving the car via the rear wheels.

The 508 RXH will also feature the all-wheel drive ability of the Hybrid4 models, with extra ground clearance, and heralds further growth in hybrid models from Peugeot.

The French manufacturer plans to launch plug-in diesel electric versions of the Hybrid4 models, which will cut official CO2 emissions and fuel consumptioon further, starting with the 3008 in 2013.

It is also evaluating whether to launch diesel-electric light commercial vehicles as well as considering adding petrol-electric powertrains to its line-up.
 

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Author: Simon Harris