Segula Technologies, the engineering and consultancy group which counts itself as a major PSA Peugeot Citroen engineering supplier, unveiled a two-stroke hybrid-electric concept vehicle at the Paris motor show, replete with wireless communications technology and featuring low-energy climate control.
The Hagora crossover concept was developed entirely in-house by Segula’s R&D centre engineers. The vehicle’s powertrain incorporates a 100hp electric motor and a 120hp direct injection two-stroke gasoline engine driving through a continuously engaged variable transmission. The absence of a clutch is made possible by the two-stroke Rotax engine’s weak resistance to motion when the electric motor takes over traction in urban driving mode. Segula adds that the two-stroke engine’s relatively low mass entails that the entire hybrid powertrain’s mass is equal to a conventional gasoline engine’s.
The efficiency of the car’s cabin temperature control is achieved by the combination of a solar-insulated panoramic glass roof and a Peltier-effect HVAC system developed by Segula. Amplifying the effects of hot and cold air, it allows the use of a smaller and more energy-efficient compressor than usual.
Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is supported by a system using the MIWi wireless communications protocol, which eliminates the weight of wiring otherwise associated with such functions. Driver input and data access can be accomplished via tablet or smartphone, and vehicle condition data and service alerts are supported, as is control via smartphone of the audio system of driver seat and steering wheel adjustment, air conditioning control, etc. Segula itself devised the smartphone-vehicle interface.
The 3.8m-long Hagora can accommodate a driver and two passengers. Composite materials used in several component sets including suspension and steering save weight and group together various structure functions, such as interior coverings and insulation in the floor panels.
The Hagora project is to involve different divisions of Segula’s business for over three years of development, deploying engineers, technicians and doctors, according to Jean-Bernard Faivre, President of the firm’s automotive and industrial vehicle division. He says the simplicity, compact dimensions and relatively low cost of the car’s hybrid powertrain commend it to developing markets.
The concept vehicle’s Rotax two-stroke engine was developed in partnership with BRP-Powertrain and its transmissions system with Xtrac.
Segula is active in the automotive and industrial vehicles, aerospace and the defence, rail, energy, and marine industries, with 7,000 employees in 80 establishments worldwide including five R&D centres.
