Fiat 500 could employ a hybrid-drive system by 2011
April 14th, 2008Fiat are developing petrol and diesel hybrid-drive systems for small cars and vans that, if all goes to plan, could be production-ready by 2011.
The hybrid powertrains will be able to propel a vehicle for short distances using only electric power, helping to reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions during stop-start driving conditions.
We are still in the research phase and, if everything proceeds as expected, we could begin production within three years,
Alfredo Altavilla, CEO of Fiat Powertrain Technologies, told Automotive News Europe.
For minicars and small cars, Fiat is working on a hybrid system based on their new two-cylinder, 900cc petrol engine that mates an electric motor/generator to a dual-clutch transmission. Fiat claim the small-car system has the potential to bring a car’s CO2 emissions to below 90g/km.
For another example of what Fiat could do with the 500 in the name of greener motoring, check out the Fiat 500 Aria Concept.
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