A month-and-a-half after being unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE showed what it could do on the Mortefontaine test track north of Paris. The technology demonstrator was developed by teams from Total and automaker Peugeot, who worked to combine the fuel efficiency of a non-plug-in* gasoline-electric hybrid with the fun of driving a small, sporty car. They achieved all that and more, producing a vehicle that meets and surpasses the very ambitious objectives that the two French companies had set. Designed to emit just 49 grams of carbon per kilometer, the equivalent of 2.1 liters per 100 kilometers, it actually emits 46 grams of carbon per kilometer, the equivalent of 1.9 liters. And it still accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in eight seconds!

Before taking to the Mortefontaine test track, the prototype had successfully completed a few laps on the track a few days earlier.


The project is part of Total's process of continuously improving the energy efficiency of its products and solutions, in particular through its Total Ecosolutions program. We worked on a number of fronts to meet the combined challenge of cutting carbon emissions and delivering sporty handling:

  • Reduced engine and component friction, with Total Lubricants developing a very fluid engine oil (OW12), and optimized combustion, with the help of Total Additives and Special Fluids.
  • Weight-saving, with Atotech, Total Petrochemicals, CCP Composites and Hutchinson. They developed the new Trichrome 3 finishing technique, lighter plastics, bio-sourced resins, unsupported door seals (a world first) and composite leaf springs.

*On non-plug-in hybrid cars, the batteries charge without being plugged into an external energy source.

To learn more: 
Behind-the-scenes video
Press release published to coincide with the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013
The Mission 49-8 website
Total's eco-efficient solutions

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