The Vivatech exhibition served as an exhibition space for the new product of the Valeo range. This is the realization of the concept of hybridization with a battery of 48 volts.
The VE enters the era of low-cost. On the occasion of Viva Technology, which is being held in Paris from May 24th to May 26th, Valeo has exhibited its low-cost vehicle hybridization system as a world first. Already previewed at CES in Las Vegas last January, the concept is now ready to enter the production phase.
“The period 2018-2022 will mark a phase of massive change towards the electrification of vehicles, under the pressure of legislation but also thanks to technological change,” recalled the stakes, Michel Forissier, director of marketing and R & D of the propulsion system division of Valeo, the conductor of this revolutionary project, in an interview with the Journal de l’Automobile. It is therefore up to equipment manufacturers and builders to find ways to democratize EV. “The 48-volts have several advantages, including being cheap because the batteries are smaller and there are less security constraints,” he summarizes.
Paris without a drop of gas
Valeo’s solution is to compete with diesel. The hybridization of a gasoline thermal model with a 48-volt pack generates an additional cost “of the same order of magnitude”. “We estimate that it will be necessary to add 1 500 to 2 000 euros at the list price, the difference that there is generally between a petrol engine and a diesel”, observes Michel Forissier. But Valeo wanted to go further. On the Volkswagen Golf that served as a demonstrator, the equipment manufacturer grafted a second electric motor on the rear axle. In fact, he obtained a rechargeable hybrid, always at a lower cost.
But what about the performance of 48 volts? in terms of energy, Valeo is confident because the proof has been provided by Geely that efficiency is key. “Last week, the manufacturer put ten copies on the road for a journey of 1,200 km.They covered the distance with a full and an average consumption of 4.3 l / 100”, reports Michel Forissier. Another fact to put to the credit of the solution: on the eve of the opening of Viva Technology, Valeo has undertaken and managed to cross Paris – with the Golf – without consuming the least taste of gasoline, in rush hour and by terrible weather.
Production in France
China should be the first outlet for the reasons we know, those of a desire to electrify the fleet. Europe will follow in the form of a gradual increase, particularly through the car-sharing program and the urban delivery market. “We are also thinking of the United States and India, says Michel Forissier.We have not yet demonstrated the interest in Africa,” admits, however, the marketing and R & D director of the propulsion division.
This hybridization technology advances another argument, that of the ease of implementation, especially since the weight gain is limited, from 1 to 2 kg for the electric machine that replaces the alternator and 10 to 30 kg for battery. Like the Golf Lab, it is not necessary to engage a new product cycle to consider the integration of the 48-volt battery. “The decision belongs to the builders, some of our customers have taken it,” he says.
Cocorico! France will take full advantage of this innovation with great potential. Indeed, Valeo will concentrate a large part of the production of the elements within its northern factory, near Le Touquet (62). This site, which is the largest in the world in terms of production of electrical machinery for the automobile, sees its investments lasting over time. “It brings sustainability and even increased production volume,” said Michel Forissier.