Car Trends Magazine

Eco friendly

Fiats concept car represents the most advanced frontier achievable in terms of emissions and consumption, synergically combining technologies that already exist or are ready for industrialisation.

The Panda MultiEco is equipped with a dual-fuel (methane and petrol) FIRE engine combined with a BAS (Belt-driven Alternator-Starter) device and a Dualogic robotised gearbox.

The first device, which is at once an electric generator and starter motor, makes for easier starting and more efficient electricity generation. The innovative Manual Transmission Automated gearbox on the other hand makes for optimal management of gear changes and outstanding mechanical efficiency.

The automated transmission paves the way for ‘intelligent’ management of the on/off state of the engine. By controlling the clutch, the system disengages the internal combustion engine from the transmission whenever drive is not required and the engine can be turned off. It is restarted, immediately and silently, by a reversible electric motor, known as BAS (Belt-driven Alternator-Starter) which replaces the alternator on the belt circuit and performs the dual role of starter motor and electric generator.

What is more, in addition to its exclusive built-in propulsion system, the Panda MultiEco incorporates interesting improvements in the fields of aerodynamics (Cd of 0.295) and weight reduction. Suffice it to say that the show-car weighs 92 kg less than the methane version that will soon go into production, thanks to the use of a number of components made with thermoplastic materials, the adoption of ‘stripped’ seats, etc.

The innovative lay-out of the methane cylinder storage system is unique for a city car, thanks to the Panda’s modular floorpan (the CNG cylinders are positioned under the floorpan, one longitudinally in the central tunnel, and the other, with a capacity of 50 litres, transversally under the rear floor), guaranteeing a methane range of over 350 km without detracting from the roominess of the car or the luggage compartment in any way.

CO₂ emissions are 42% lower than those of the petrol version in the urban cycle and 32% lower in the NEDC cycle, reaching a value of 90 g/km in this case. In terms of emissions, this result is added to the benefits of methane propulsion, which is the only solution realistically possible today that could help to significantly raise the quality of exhaust emissions.

The other advantages for customers are lower consumption and the lower cost of methane, which therefore means a substantial reduction in the relative cost per kilometre (-63%).

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