To take advantage of car insurance surcharge exemptions applied from this year to flexfuel vehicles, Peugeot is updating its 308 range of vehicles able to operate on E85.
Super ethanol (E85) is a blend of 15 % unleaded petrol and 85 % agricultural sourced ethanol and continues to represent a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Its use also helps to reduce the demand on fossil fuels, as well as cutting CO2 emissions from its production to combustion (“well to wheel”), a reduction which is now taken into account in the calculation of insurance no-claims bonus.
Benefiting from its experience in Brazil and following on from the 307 SW BioFlex model sold in France since 2007, Peugeot now offers a 308 BioFlex hatchback model equipped with the 1.6 litre 80 kW (110 bhp) engine.
Since E85 is incompatible with a standard petrol engines, the 1.6 litre engine (TU5JP4) has a modified injection and fuel system. It can, however, run on petrol, super ethanol or any mixture of the two (petrol/super ethanol).
With this new offer, the 308 range reinforces its credentials in terms of its environmental efficiency. The range now includes three models offering CO2 emissions of only 120 g/km, strengthening the manufacturer’s position as a European leader in cars with low fuel consumption and low emissions (one in every six cars sold with emissions less than or equal to 120 g/km of CO2 is a Peugeot).
In addition the 308 BioFlex benefits from 16’’ Michelin Energy Saver tyres (reduction of 0.2 litres/100 km), which received their world premiere exclusively on the 308 in 2007.
Available as a five door hatchback model, in Premium or Premium Pack trim levels, it also features a specific “BioFlex” logo. Pricing starts at € 20,600, i.e. € 300 less than the 1.6 litre
It should also be noted that all petrol engines in the Peugeot range can now run without any modifications on 10 % ethanol (SP95-E10 petrol), while HDi diesel models can be operated on a 30 % biodiesel mix.
308 BioFlex An environmentally-friendly choice .
The reduction of CO2 emissions resulting from the use of super ethanol is based on an evaluation of the entire cycle from production to combustion (“well/field to wheel” principle). According to specialists, the total maximum CO2 reduction linked to the use of E85 could be as much as 70 %.
Indeed the production of ethanol from agricultural sources results in a greater saving in terms of CO2 since the latter is absorbed by the vegetation as it grows photosynthesis). The reduction in CO2 linked to the production of ethanol therefore depends greatly on the plants used, their production and method of processing.
In addition, the combustion of E85 in the engine emits around 4 % less CO2 than unleaded petrol. Thus, in the combined cycle, the 308 BioFlex emits 159 g/km of CO2 compared to 165 when operated on unleaded petrol.
Other benefits
To promote the use of biofuels the 308 BioFlex is being offered at an attractive price, below that of a 1.6 litre VTi 88 kW (120 bhp) version.
The lifting of duty on super ethanol has made it possible to obtain a selling price of less than 80 centimes per litre, offsetting the higher consumption (nearly 40 %) as a result of ethanol being less energy-efficient than petrol.
Corporate customer benefits include an exceptional write down policy, a 100 % exemption on TVS (corporate vehicle tax) and the ability to claim back VAT at the rate of 80 % on E85 consumed.
The customer can drive with E85, super unleaded, or any blend of the two, according to what is available, or the availability of E85 pumps at service stations.
Finally, E85 performance levels are slightly improved compared to petrol (estimated at +4 % for torque and +2.5 % for power), noticeable in terms of the car’s acceleration both from a standing start and in-gear acceleration.
A proven technology
Since March 2005, Peugeot has been selling models in Brazil which can use petrol, “pure” ethanol (E100), or any blend of the two. Modifications carried out on the TU5JP4 engine to make it compatible with ethanol mainly concerned the injectors, spark plugs, valves, throttle housing, filters and fuel lines.
The 308 1.6 litre BioFlex uses a modified TU5JP4 engine to comply with standards in force in Europe. It therefore has a special engine ECU which controls supply according to the fuel composition indicated by the Lambda sensor. The minimum fuel level alarm software has also been revised to take account of the fuel being used and to control the difference in fuel consumption linked to the presence of ethanol.
With a capacity of 1587 cm3, it develops a maximum power of 80 to 82 kW (110 to 112 bhp) at 5800 rpm and a maximum torque of 147 to 153 Nm at 4000 rpm, according to the petrol/ ethanol blend used.
