Peugeot 308 Updated to Run on E85 based on Experience from Brazil

Peugeot-308cc-1

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 insuranceno-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 withthe 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 VTi 88 kW (120 bhp) version.

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.