PSA Citroën and Bosch, along with other partners, are cooperating on the OpEneR (Optimal Energy Consumption and Recovery) research programme, designed to improve the range of future hybrid and electric vehicles, informs Just Auto.
Two new technologies developed for the OpEneR project will be available for all types of motors, namely gasoline, diesel, hybrid and electric.
OpEneR now includes navigation data for predictive driving adaptation. The driver’s vision is considerably extended with a preview of the road, based on data such as slopes, bend radii and infrastructure data, with indication of road signs and speed limits.
The innovation means gains in efficiency, with energy savings claims of up to 15%.
Sensors will also be available to help with driving comfort and safety, such as video camera and radars, used to detect objects, other cars and pedestrians, as well as to recognise road signs and aid fuel consumption.
For instance, on the basis of the journey to be covered, a computer determines the vehicle’s future speed curve, by integrating data going beyond the next bend.
The adaptive cruise control function automatically regulates the vehicle’s speed and brakes before entering the bend, built-up areas and speed-limited areas, as well as in the presence of obstacles and slower vehicles.
In addition to its two new innovations, OpEneR enables the driver to reduce energy consumption, either by coasting, or by means of braking energy recovery for hybrid and electric vehicles.
To date, more than 15,000km of testing have been carried out in real driving conditions and on varied road profiles, with consumption claimed to be down by between 10% and 15%.
The two partners have thus developed three technological innovations including an electric drive train based on two electric motors, offering four-wheel drive with zero CO2 emissions
There is also a new generation stop & start for coasting; ESP hev braking for energy recovery at braking and battery recharging, accompanied by the iBooster which can amplify the vacuum braking force.
OpEneR is part of the European Commission’s green cars initiative call for project proposals, with partners from the industrial and university worlds.
Five partners are today working together on this research project: Bosch, AVL List and PSA, representing industry and the Karlsruhe research centre in Germany and the Galician Automotive Technology Centre, representing university research.
