French Auto Industry Visits Center for Transportation Research

Representatives of the French auto industry visited the Argonne Center for Transportation Research on November 18, 2008. The purpose of the visit was to share information and discuss technology opportunities for hybrid and electric vehicles. Glenn Keller, Vehicle Systems Manager, and the French Trade Mission of Chicago organized the meeting.

The twenty-four participants represented five French organizations. The organizations were:

1. IFP (Innovation Energy & Environment),
2. INRETS (French National Institute for Transportation and Safety Research),
3. MTA (Mobility and Advanced Transportation Competitiveness Cluster),
4. MOVEO (another competitiveness center for hybrid and electric vehicles) and
5. PSA (Peugeot/Citroën).

France is taking a different approach to green transportation, as evidenced by the information shared at the meeting. Researchers want to develop micro-hybrid and electric vehicles for limited urban use that employ the lowest-cost electric batteries. The French want to keep the vehicle purchase price low and make it easier for the customer to “break even” after purchasing a hybrid. Nationwide studies are looking at costs associated with installing charge points in larger cities to promote these vehicles. Market introduction of the micro-hybrids is planned for 2012. Peugeot-Citroën is promoting its new three-cylinder, less than 1.0-liter gasoline spark-ignition engine as an alternative to diesel engines in its ultra-compact cars. The EU will soon require diesel particulate filters on small cars, making these new ultra-compacts (with their economical emission control systems) even more desirable.

Keller said of the visit, “The exchange of information at this meeting is of great benefit to both France and Argonne, especially in the areas of low-cost  hybrid vehicle technology development. We all need to work together to make green transportation a success.”

December 2008