The powers that be

Changing the transport infrastructure to run on hydrogen rather than hydrocarbons has long been seen as the blueprint for combating global warming and lowering carbon dioxide emissions.

However, last week two of Europe’s largest car makers appeared to be turning their backs on hybrid and hydrogen power and championing diesel engines as the most effective way to meet the EU’s CO2 emissions targets.

Since 1998 a partnership between PSA Peugeot Citroën and Ford has produced three common rail (HDi) diesel engine families with capacities from 1.4 to 2.7 litres. These feature technologies including a high-pressure fuel-injection system to improve the efficiency of the combustion process and an electronically controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation system that reduces combustion temperatures and eliminates black smoke. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been cut by 20 per cent, exhaust particulates by 60 per cent and carbon monoxide emissions by 40 per cent.

Last week the companies appeared to complete the range, launching a 2.2-litre HDi diesel dedicated to the light and medium commercial vehicle market, as well as a 2.2-litre premium, high-output diesel for medium, large and executive passenger vehicles.