Fiat Is Selling Hybrids that Run on Ethanol

November 13, 2024

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by Adrian Padeanu (Motor 1) ... The Stellantis brand calls it a “bio-hybrid” technology that revolves around a turbocharged 1.0-liter engine. This three-cylinder mill runs on gasoline and ethanol while being supplemented by an electric motor. The combustion engine is good for 130 horsepower, which might not sound like much, but it’s enough for Fiat to claim the Fastback and Pulse are the most potent in their segment. The two SUVs with the T200 Hybrid powertrain have 148 pound-feet of torque.

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There’s even a regenerative mode that can capture as much as 25% of the energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration. The harvested energy is then used to juice up both batteries. Fiat claims fuel consumption is down by 11.5% for the Fastback and by 10.7% for the Pulse compared to the non-electrified version of the ethanol-compatible engine.

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(Brazil)’s where Fiat launched the 147 small hatchback compatible with E100 way back in 1979. Last year, a whopping 83% of the cars sold there had a flex-fuel powertrain, according to the Brazilian Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers (ANFAVEA).

While these two models have a mild-hybrid setup, Stellantis is planning full hybrids (with a dual-clutch automatic transmission) and plug-in hybrids with combustion engines that can run on ethanol. Rivals at General Motors and Honda have also recently disclosed plans to launch ethanol-capable hybrid vehicles in Brazil. READ MORE

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FIAT launches Bio-Hybrid technology in Brazil (Stellantis)
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Fiat launches a highly efficient, biofuel-compatible hybrid combustion engine (Italpassion)

Excerpt from Stellantis:

FIAT is introducing Bio-Hybrid technology in its Pulse and Fastback SUVs in Brazil, where the brand is absolute leader and want to consolidate itself as a protagonist in the future of mobility.
A social relevant new technology with the aim of providing a clean, safe and affordable mobility.
FIAT is pioneer in the development and application of the Bio-Hybrid technology which combine electrification with hybrid engines powered by ethanol.

FIAT launched Bio-Hybrid technology with its highly successful SUV models, the Fiat Pulse and Fastback, in Brazil. This technology combines electric and hybrid powertrains with biofuels, specifically ethanol, to reduce carbon emissions and advance accessible mobility.Brazil, where FIAT is a dominant force in the market, plays a central role in this development, hosting the global Bio-Hybrid research center at Stellantis' Betim facility. The introduction of bio-hybrid SUVs underscores FIAT’s dedication to creating sustainable and affordable vehicles, consolidating itself as a protagonist in the future of mobility.
As an automaker with a strong commitment to social and environmental progress, FIAT addresses the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions. With the launch of the Pulse and Fastback with Bio-Hybrid technology, the brand reinforces its pioneering role in delivering mobility solutions that are accessible and relevant for today’s global challenges.

T200 Hybrid engine
The T200 Hybrid engine, powering the hybrid versions of the Fiat Fastback and Pulse, represents a leap in performance and efficiency. Paired with a seven-speed CVT gearbox, this 1.0 turbo Flex engine is the most powerful in its segment, delivering 130 hp and 20.4 kgfm of torque. By integrating hybrid technology, FIAT has increased fuel efficiency significantly reducing fuel consumption by 11.5% for the Fastback and 10.7% for the Pulse on gasoline and ethanol in urban cycles. This improvement positions the T200 Hybrid as an exceptional choice for both performance and cost-effectiveness.
At the core of FIAT's hybrid system is a multifunctional electric motor that replaces traditional alternator and starter components. This innovative design uses two 12V batteries: a 68Ah lead-acid battery located in the engine compartment and an 11Ah lithium-ion battery situated beneath the driver’s seat. Together, these batteries support the electric motor, which generates up to 3kW of power, providing supplementary torque to the combustion engine and charging both batteries to enhance fuel efficiency.

The system operates through four dynamic modes that maximize efficiency:

e-Start&Stop: This mode activates the Start-Stop function when the vehicle is stationary, turning off the combustion engine to conserve fuel. During deceleration, the engine continues running without fuel injection, optimizing energy recovery.
e-Assist: Here, the electric motor supplies extra torque to the combustion engine during acceleration and startup. This assistance, powered by the batteries, reduces fuel consumption while enhancing performance.
Smart Alternator: The alternator operates in two modes, responding to battery levels. In alternator mode, it charges the batteries when they are low, while in neutral mode, it maintains the vehicle’s electrical needs when the batteries are adequately charged.
e-Regen: This regenerative mode captures mechanical energy during deceleration, converting it into electrical energy that recharges both the lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, reclaiming up to 25% of energy that would otherwise be lost. READ MORE