The French carmaker has released in depth information regarding the Peugeot iOn which is going on sale. The Peugeot iOn, which is based on Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV, is powered by an electric motor which outputs 64 hp between 3,500 and 8,000 rpm and 180 Nm of torque between 0 and 2,000 rpm. The official range of the Peugeot iOn, on a single charge of the battery, is rated at 150 km/h. The official performance figures say the Peugeot iOn has a top speed of 130 km/h and that it needs 15.9 seconds to get from 0 to 100 km/h.
The Peugeot iOn is a four seat four-door city car that measures 3.474 m in length and is 1.475 m wide. The total weight of the electric car is rated at 1,120 kg. The Peugeot iOn has a 168-liter boot so it's quite enough for your daily shopping.
The Peugeot iOn price and availability will be announced at a later date.
Peugeot Press Release:
Anticipated, dreamed about, the first of a new generation of 100% electric full size cars is here.
Peugeot is making it available not just for a few intrepid adventurers, but for a wide customer
base made up of private individuals, professionals and public services, all of whom are convinced and resolved to take together the first step towards a new type of mobility.
The 100% electric Peugeot iOn, urban runabout, easy to operate, silent, safe, connected, comfortable and easy to drive with a range of Peugeot Connect services, lets you get around town in a way that’s different and sustainable.
The environmental awareness expressed by governments, local authorities and citizens, combined with the development of new energy
storage technologies, today gives the electric vehicle a new opportunity to put down roots in cities and their outlying areas.
Peugeot, the world leader in electric vehicles in terms of the number of Electric 106s it sold, takes a new step in emissions reductions by marketing the iOn, the first new-generation 100% electric vehicle.
A NEW URBAN DRIVING EXPERIENCE: ZERO EMISSIONS, SILENT, PRACTICAL, RESPONSIVE…
The iOn, designed as the ideal car for the city and the suburbs, is targeted mainly at public services
and businesses, but also at private individuals.
This city run around combines remarkable packaging with good interior space, unrivalled handling, rigorous safety, and a high level of comfort enhanced by a generous standard specification. Added to this are the advantages inherent in electric technology, namely unprecedented silence, the absence of CO2 emissions and superb driveability.
To drive the iOn means to experience a new tranquillity engendered by the car’s silent operation, the absence of vibrations from the power train and the simplicity of no gear changes. What’s more, the immediate availability of maximum torque allows efficient, linear acceleration that makes driving in traffic so much easier.
Thanks to the energy management of its Lithiumionbattery and optimised energy recovery during deceleration and braking, the range as per the European standard cycle is 150 km. In practical terms this is sufficient to cover the majority of a motorists’ daily trips, 90% of which are in fact less than 60 km.
It takes 6 hours to fully recharge the battery using a traditional household socket. A quick charge using a special charging unit provides a 50% charge in only fifteen minutes, or 80% in thirty minutes. Bearing in mind that a conventional car is at a standstill for around 90% of the time when used in an urban or semi-urban context, the time needed to recharge the iOn is entirely compatible with what motorists are used to.
UNBEATABLE RUNNING COSTS
With running costs between €1.50 and €2.00 per
100 km, the energy bill of the iOn is unbeatable
regardless of which recharging mode is used.Carried
out overnight or during “off-peak hours” recharging
costs can be reduced further and help optimise the use
of available power produced by the electricity supply
companies.
NO COMPROMISE ON SAFETY
Its standard equipment - six air bags, ESP, electronic
brake force distribution (EBFD), emergency brake assist
(EBA) – and the design of its structure, gives the iOn
the same level of safety equipment as a conventional
modern car.
At the design stage, strong emphasis was laid on the
safety and durability of components of the electric power
train. The battery components are contained in a rigid,
hermetically-sealed casing ideally positioned under the
passenger compartment floor for maximum protection
in the event of an impact, in the area most resistant to
deformation. This also improves the vehicle’s weight
distribution by lowering the centre of gravity.
Recharging of the battery, either by a special quick
charge unit or by means of a standard electrical
socket using a special connecting cable, is controlled
automatically according to the monitored parameters
of the individual battery cells.
SERVICES TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
In addition to the latest-generation electric technology,
the iOn incorporates the most recent telematics
technologies to offer a range of Peugeot Connect
services.
All iOn models, as standard and for an unlimited
period, have access to Peugeot Connect* services
including Peugeot Connect SOS and Peugeot Connect
Assistance. If safety items are activated or the SOS
button is pressed, the car’s occupants are put in touch
with the emergency call centre. Similarly with Peugeot
Connect Assistance, pressing the “Peugeot Lion” button
automatically connects the user with the help line. As the
vehicle’s precise location is determined automatically,
emergency or repair services can quickly be dispatched
to the scene.
Other services include:
- Peugeot Connect Fleet*, with periodic transmission
of information such as battery charge status,
remaining range, mileage and mileage before the
next service that is particularly useful for fleet
managers;
- Electric Driving*, allowing the user to check, via
Smartphone or PC, the battery charge status and
range of the vehicle.
THE COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
OF A COMPREHENSIVE STANDARD
SPECIFICATION
The comprehensive standard specification on all
iOn models includes: alloy wheels, power steering,
fog lamps, automatic switching-on of headlamps,
daytime lights, remote control central locking,
trip computer, air conditioning, Bluetoothcompatible
MP3 and CD audio system with USB
connection, front and rear electric windows, heightadjustable
driver’s seat, reclining and folding rear
seat backs…
With a single model and two interior trim levels,
the iOn range is simple and transparent.
The three main available options or accessories are:
- a “cold kit” which includes a heated driver’s seat and
* Operational from April 2011. electric door mirror de-icing;
- a conversion kit to create a 2-seat light commercial
vehicle with a load capacity of 1.1 m3;
- a mobile and connected satellite navigation system,
which includes other travel modes (walking, bike, etc.)
installed in the fascia panel allowing:
- reception of traffic information,
- mapping updates with indication of recharging
stations,
- information search by points of interest.
With a single badge level and two interior ambiences,
the iOn range is simple and transparent.
AN “ALL INCLUSIVE” MOBILITY OFFER
Marketing of the iOn is based mainly on an “allinclusive”
mobility offer. As an example: in France this
offer lasts for five years and costs €499 including VAT
per month, which includes: the vehicle and its battery
– 5 year warranty covering the battery and electric
power train – servicing and maintenance for five years
or 50,000 km – specific electric assistance - Peugeot
Connect, Electric Driving services and access to the
Mu by Peugeot mobility programme.
CLEAR CUSTOMER INTEREST
Local authorities and governments are in favour of
integrating this new technology with state aid and by
installing a programme for a re-charging infrastructure.
These authorities are also potential customers with
their own fleet of vehicles and car-share projects which
are envisaged in several cities.
To date Peugeot has already signed fifteen letters of
intent with mobility operators, energy companies,
leasing and car-sharing companies in a number of
European countries.
From the numerous contacts from private individuals
received on the special iOn website, these individuals
are also interested in 100% electric technology when
it is proposed by an established manufacturer such as
Peugeot.
Within the Mu by Peugeot network, the first mobility
service offered by a manufacturer, iOn will be one of the
vehicles available for short term loan. Individuals will
therefore be able to try out this new way of getting around
town or choose a zero emissions car for a timely trip.
THE iOn, A RESPONSE BY PEUGEOT TO THE MOBILITY
NEEDS OF TOMORROW
Peugeot is proposing several different technologies
in response to the environmental challenges and the
different requirements and expectations of today’s
customers:
- from the first quarter of 2011, the first e-HDi
models equipped with the a new-generation STOP
& START system will be launched on the 508,
giving reductions in fuel consumption and CO2
emissions;
- in the spring the world’s first diesel hybrid, the
Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4, will offer its users a high
level specification and a real breakthrough in
terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
with a reduction of 35%, i.e. 3.8 litres/100 km, for
99 g/km of CO2;
- in addition to the iOn, the Marque will be putting
on sale a 100% electric light commercial vehicle,
based initial on the current Partner Origin. iOn
will, therefore, not be the Marque’s only electric
vehicle. The first 100% electric LCV will be a
Partner Origin developed by Venturi but for the
longer term, work is underway to create new
concepts adapted to 100% electric technology.
THE MARKET AND ITS CUSTOMERS
The success of the European electric vehicle market
will be very dependent on tax incentives at the time
of purchase or during ownership, the introduction
of infrastructures, possible ecological constraints
in terms of urban traffic and the fluctuating price of
fossil fuels.
The market is expected to grow very gradually,
representing around the year 2020 4% to 5% of
the European car market.For this reason the iOn will
also appear gradually, rising to a total production of
50,000 iOns by the year 2015.
The iOn is targeted mainly at local government, local
authorities and public services and companies active in
the transport and energy sectors, leasing companies, car
sharing companies and the fleets of large corporations.
In the first half of 2010, Peugeot has already signed
15 letters of intent with:
- three public transport companies, including two for an
offer in different European countries;
- six leasing companies in three European countries;
- six energy companies in six European countries.
Peugeot is also a partner in the consortium VTLIB’ (Veolia
urban transport), still in the running as a candidate for
the Autolib’ project, a future electric car self-service
system planned for Paris and nearby suburbs in 2011.
To a lesser extent, private individuals are also target
customers. Convinced of the Marque’s reliability, they
will be the forerunners of this new relationship with the
motor car.
THE iOn IN DETAIL
A SPECIFIC COLOUR FOR THE LOGO
For the first time in the Marque’s history a vehicle will
display a specific badge, the new pearlescent white/
chrome Lion will be a special feature of zero emission
vehicles.
This badge affixed to the bonnet of the iOn, on the black
lacquered moulding of the tailgate and in the centre
of all four wheels is supplemented by the logo “Full
Electric” on the rear wings.
With its single compartment body shape and minimal
overhangs the iOn is clearly a compact city run about.
Its easily identifiable style will quickly be associated
with its technological uniqueness and, for the driver
or business it will create a modern image of good
citizenship, pioneering 100% electric technology.
Curvaceous with a small domed bonnet (specific to the
iOn) extended by a large inclined front windscreen, the
general look of the iOn is immediately inviting. Without
taking itself too seriously, it adds to this look with full
body-colour paintwork and alloy wheels.
Seven body colours are available: two pearlescent,
two metallic and three vibrant, fun shades.
The interior, purposely traditional, is available in two
levels of finish, the first understated and consensual,
the other featuring materials that are soft to the touch,
such as the leather steering wheel and gear lever knob
(DNRP) or the soft painted fascia panel and door panels,
partially tinted with a subtle hint of very chic metallic
blue.
A NEW URBAN DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The magic of electric power resides in zero CO2
emissions and an external noise level limited to the
sound of the tyres on the road, ideal qualities for driving
in built-up areas.
Thanks to a wheelbase of 2.55 m and its high
architecture, its remarkable interior space allows
four adults to be seated in comfort. Its compactness
– 3.48 m long and 1.47 m wide –, its remarkable turning
circle of 4.50 m and its electric power steering make it
very agile. It can weave in and out of traffic and make
child’s play of the most difficult parking manoeuvres.
Despite its small size, it commands respect when in11
amongst the traffic. There can be no doubt that at the
wheel of the iOn, with its raised driving position and
good visibility, both driver and passengers are safe and
secure in a real car.
As soon as the wheels start to turn, the silence of the
power train immerses the driver in the new experience
of tranquil driving. Driving, not only silent but also
extremely easy, makes journeys less tiring and more fun,
with all occupants able to enjoy a normal conversation.
A new link between the driver and the vehicle is created
by the presence in the instrument panel of a power meter,
indicating instantaneous energy consumption or energy
recovery (when the foot is taken off the accelerator and
when braking). The driver quickly gets used to ensuring
optimal energy recovery during deceleration and as a
result adopts a fluid, stress-free driving style.
While lending itself to tranquil driving, the iOn is not
lacking in character and performance. As soon as the
need is apparent, use of the accelerator frees up available
torque instantly for rapid, linear acceleration. Taking
3.5 seconds to go from 30km/h to 60km/h (compared to
3.9 secs in 3rd in a 207 1.6 litre THP) is evidence of this.
This level of performance instils confidence particularly
when joining fast moving traffic.
NO COMPROMISE ON SAFETY
Thanks to the vehicle’s tall architecture, the battery
pack (all battery components) can be housed under the
floor between the wheels, which by lowering the centre
of gravity gives the vehicle good dynamic stability. This
stability is enhanced further by its standard equipment
– ESP, electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) and
emergency brake assist (EBA).
When the driver lifts their foot from the accelerator
pedal, the momentum of the wheels drives the electric
motor (in reverse direction) in electricity-generating
mode, providing “engine braking” comparable to that
of a conventional vehicle. Braking efficiency is ensured
both by energy recovery and the traditional braking
circuit. An electric pump creates a vacuum in the brake
servo to assist braking.
The same level of safety as a conventional modern
car is provided through the design of its structure and
its safety equipment: two front air bags, two chest air
bags, two curtain air bags, two Isofix child safety seat
mountings and an unfastened seat belt warning system
for the front and rear seats.
The battery pack, positioned in the most impact
resistant area, is encased in a structure constructed
from a fibreglass reinforced polymer and steel plates.
Transverse reinforcement bars in the battery pack
protect it in the event of a side impact and improve the
rigidity and torsional strength of the chassis.
Each of the battery cells (88 in total) are enclosed in a
parallelepiped stainless-steel case.They are arranged in
groups of four or eight in protected modules, positioned
in the pack’s structure.
In the event of a collision, a short-circuit protection
system isolates the cells and “high voltage” circuits.
Special features relating to recharging of the
battery
Normal recharging by means of an earthed household
electrical socket is carried out using a special cable
with a protective housing which electronically controls
continuity of the earth line and can therefore interrupt
charging in the event of a fault.
Recharging, rapid and normal, is monitored by voltage
and temperature sensors on the battery cells and
by the dialogue between the specific battery pack
controller and that of the quick-charge unit via the
vehicle’s electronic control unit (the car’s “brain”).
During rapid recharging, if certain temperature
thresholds are reached in one or more elements of
the battery, the inside of the battery is cooled by the
circulation of ambient “cold” air, or air cooled by the air
conditioning, in the battery pack.
Recharging is possible only if the gear selector is in
the parking position. Similarly, the vehicle’s ignition
is switched off, making it impossible for the car to be
started inadvertently with the charging connector in
place.
RANGE AND RECHARGING
The iOn is equipped with a new-generation Lithium-ion
battery with an energy storage capacity well in excess
of the old Ni Cd batteries used in the 1990s (three times
more energy per kg or twice as much by unit of volume).
This battery has no memory effect. It can be recharged,
even partially, without the need for regular complete
discharges.
The battery can be fully recharged in six hours using a
single-phase 220 V household supply via a five metre
cable fitted with a standard socket and a special plug
for connection to the vehicle. For normal charging the
driver connects the cable to the household socket or
to a standard roadside charging point, while the other
end is connected to the socket on the right-hand side of
the vehicle (the socket on the left-hand side is reserved
for quick recharging). A symbol on the instrument panel
and a LED on the cable’s protective housing signal
immediate commencement of the battery charging
process.It stops automatically when the battery is fully
charged.
A quick recharge by means of a special recharging unit
connected to a three phase 380 V electrical supply takes
fifteen minutes to provide 50% battery capacity and
30 minutes for 80% capacity.
The special cable for quick recharging, rigidly attached
to the terminal, is connected to the socket on the lefthand
side of the vehicle. The recharging process is
monitored and controlled by the dialogue between
the vehicle’s electronic control unit and the charging
unit controller. Recharging stops automatically when
80% of the full charge is attained (100% is possible with
a second re-charge).
THE DRIVING POSITION
The aim of the designers was to create an entirely
new vehicle in technological terms, but one that was
in keeping with what motorists are currently used
to. Therefore the driver occupies a traditional driving
position with controls comparable to those found
on a conventional vehicle: ignition key, hand brake,
four-position gear selector and two pedals as on an
automatic car, as well as heating and air conditioning
controls, etc.
Turning the ignition key to the first notch supplies the
car’s equipment, turning it to the second notch makes
the power train operational. The “Ready” light on the
instrument panel, accompanied by an audible warning
to break the silence, announces that the vehicle is ready
to be driven.
The main differences with a conventional internal
combustion engined vehicle are on the instrument
panel, which has:
- a battery charge indicator (with sixteen positions)
letting you know the battery charge level;
- a power meter to encourage economical driving
by providing an instantaneous readout of levels
of energy consumption or energy recovery during
deceleration and braking, by means of a needle
which moves across coloured zones:
- the green zone, driving with minimal energy
consumption,
- the white zone, “energy hungry” driving,
- the blue “Charge” zone, level of energy recovery;
- the trip computer, as well as the usual information,
indicates the available range calculated on the
basis of driving conditions recorded over the last
25 kilometres. Parameters taken into account
include the type of driving, traffic conditions, the type
of journey and use of the heating or air conditioning;
- gradual range reduction warnings and an emergency
strategy:
- when the battery charge level falls to two bars, the
“gauge” symbol flashes, warning of the need to
recharge the battery (17% of energy remaining),
- when the last bar is reached, it too flashes in addition
to the “gauge” symbol. Charging is now essential,
- when no bars are displayed any more, the “gauge”
symbol stays on and the trip computer indicates no
range. The heating and air conditioning are switched
off by the vehicle’s onboard systems. The vehicle
inertia allows the heater blower to diffuse any
remaining hot or cold air. The power of the electric
motor is gradually reduced,
- when the requested acceleration can no longer be
fully supported a “tortoise” symbol appears on the
instrument panel and the vehicle’s performance is
reduced,
- the vehicle comes to a complete stop when the
minimum battery level is reached.
THE POWER TRAIN
The iOn is a rear-wheel drive vehicle in which the
electric motor and single-ratio reduction gearbox are
installed in front of the rear suspension.
The motor is supplied with a 330 V three-phase
alternating current (AC) from the inverter which is
supplied with a 330 V direct current (DC) from the
main battery pack. The inverter regulates the current,
frequency and voltage according to the position of the
accelerator pedal. The controlled response when the
accelerator is pressed has been designed to ensure a
good distribution of power when required.
The inverter, the motor and the reduction gearing
provides a potential speed range from 0 to 130 kph.
The single reduction gear provides an overall ratio of
6.066 in both forward and reverse gears.
Reverse gear is obtained by reversing the direction of
the motor’s operation.
The Neodyme (Nd) synchronous permanent magnet
electric motor is particularly compact. With a maximum
power of 47 kW.h (64 bhp) it has a maximum torque of
180 Nm from 0 to 2000 rpm.
It consists of:
- a rotating rotor with peripheral magnets positioned
with the poles (north and south) alternately towards
the exterior;
- on the outside, a fixed stator composed of coils
supplied by three independent current phases,
creates the magnetic field which turns the rotor.
THE BATTERY
The lithium-ion battery was developed by Lithium
Energy Japan (LEJ – joint venture Mitsubishi/GS-Yuasa).
They are produced (in Kusatsu in Japan) in the world’s
first factory dedicated to the mass production of
lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.
The term lithium-ion covers several technologies.
The choice of manganese oxide technology (cathodes
with a manganese oxide LiMn2O4 base) is the best
option to meet the operating requirements and
required safety levels set for the vehicle.
Each battery module has four or eight 3.7 V cells and a
capacity of 50 Ah. With a total of 88 cells, connected in
series, the battery pack can store 16 kWh of electrical
energy with a nominal voltage of 330 V.
The recharging of each cell in the battery pack is
controlled continuously by a control system which
includes monitoring of each cell and a central battery
controller.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
The electrical air conditioning and heating systems
of the passenger compartment are powered from the
lithium-ion battery pack.
The heating system operates via the circulation of
coolant which is electrically heated. It provides warm
air immediately after a cold start or when the vehicle
is at a standstill. The power of the heating can be
adjusted to obtain just the right level of comfort in
order to minimize the consumption of electricity.
An optional “cold pack” is available which includes a
heated driver’s seat ensuring good thermal comfort
when only the driver is present, and optimising
the energy usage for the heating of the passenger
compartment.
Air conditioning is provided by a refrigeration unit
with an electric compressor controlled electronically
so that only energy required for the current setting is
consumed.
ELECTRICAL FLOWS
When the car is being driven, the inverter transforms
330 V direct current (DC) from the battery into 330 V
alternating current (AC) to supply the electric motor.
It also controls the electric motor depending on the
position of the accelerator and during the energy
recovery phase.
The motor is reversible. During deceleration it generates
alternating current (AC) which is converted by the
inverter to direct current (DC) in order to recharge the
drive battery (generator mode).
The on-board charger transforms household 220 V
alternating current (AC) into 330 V direct current (DC)
to recharge the drive battery. It controls the 14 A input
current and the 8 A current supplying the battery.
For quick charging, the 50 kW charging unit directly
supplies voltage and direct current to recharge the
drive battery. The unit operates on a three-phase
380 V supply (supplied directly from the country’s
electrical network). The car’s battery is, therefore,
supplied with a single-phase direct current of up to
125 A.
Recharging is monitored and controlled by the
dialogue between the vehicle’s electronic control unit
and charging unit.Recharging stops automatically
when 80% of the full charge is attained. A second
recharging phase can be started (after the first 80%),
and will continue up to 100% but more slowly, in
order to not exceed the maximum voltage of each
battery cell.
A (DC) converter incorporated into the on-board
charging unit generates a 14 V supply from the
330 V of the drive battery to recharge the 12 V battery
supplying the car’s equipment – ECUs, lighting, audio
system, power steering, vacuum pump, water pump,
etc. It plays the same role as the alternator on an
internal combustion engined vehicle.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL
When the car is being driven, the electronic control unit
continuously monitors correct operation of the vehicle
and controls energy management.
Work was carried out in particular to optimise
performance and encourage energy recovery during
braking. Regardless of road conditions and battery
charge levels, the vehicle controller determines the
motor’s operating performance.
The battery has its own checks for phases of recharging,
discharge linked to the vehicle’s electronic control unit.
COOLING CIRCUITS
The inverter, on-board charger, (DC) converter and
electric motor are cooled by circulating water supplying
a radiator positioned at the front of the vehicle.
To optimise the life of the battery, if certain temperature
thresholds are reached by elements of the battery pack
during quick charging, ambient air or air cooled by the
air conditioning is circulated through the pack.