2011 PSA Peugeot Citroen VELV

PSA Peugeot Citroën presents its light city electric vehicle (VELV) at the ADEME innovation forum

PSA Peugeot Citroën is presenting an innovative concept for getting around in the city at a forum organised by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME).

Known by its French acronym VELV, the light city electric vehicle was developed with a consortium of French companies and a research laboratory who have joined forces to meet the mobility challenges of tomorrow.

The VELV is a safe, fuel-efficient electric three-wheeler that can seat three people. With a power rating of 20kW for 650kg, the vehicle has a driving range of 100 km and can accelerate up to 110 km/h The VELV is particularly easy to handle in tight spaces thanks to a turning radius of just 7.20 metres. What's more, it indicates in real time the area that can be covered based on the driving range and identifies charging stations that can be reached with the remaining charge.

The project’s objective is to significantly reduce the amount of on-board energy by offering a fun vehicle whose electric motor, immediately available maximum torque and light weight make for an extremely enjoyable driving experience. The VELV consumes just 85 Wh per kilometre, which means that its environmental footprint is equivalent to that of a train trip. The VELV also complies with regulations concerning passive safety for passenger cars.

The concept is aimed at corporate fleets, traditional rental companies and self-service schemes like Autolib', second-car buyers and numerous customers who want a better option for getting around town.

The VELV responds to the new challenges of tomorrow’s transportation by contributing to the development of lightweight electric powertrains and providing impetus for the entire French EV industry, with support from ADEME.

Each participant in this project contributed important expertise. PSA Peugeot Citroën leveraged its experience as a carmaker to offer an innovative vehicle architecture that meets ambitious, yet realistic specifications.

Leroy Somer, GKN and Valeo pooled their skills to create a full 20 kW electric power train that is both compact and highly efficient.

Johnson-Control Saft provided a Li-Ion battery stack and electronic management system designed especially for the vehicle to ensure the 8.5 kWh output and 100 km driving range.

Valeo also developed a specific heating system for small electric vehicles.

Leoni designed dedicated signal and power cables.

Lastly, Michelin contributed its experience with management systems for in-wheel motors operating at high speeds.

In the area of research, the IMS/LAPS labs in Bordeaux provided valuable insights into the dynamic behaviour of very small vehicles.

The one-day ADEME innovation forum focuses on ADEME’s R&D initiatives in the areas of environmental protection and new technologies. This year’s forum will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 26 September at the Palais des Congrès in Paris.

PSA Peugeot Citroën will participate in the forum’s discussions. In particular, the head of research and advanced engineering will take part in a roundtable on new ways of looking at transportation and mobility.

SOURCE: Peugeot