Dacia, a Romanian subsidiary belonging to Grupo Renault, has officially announced a new strategic stage for the development of its powertrains, reaffirming its commitment to the evolution of internal combustion engines. The manufacturer presented an unprecedented technical solution that integrates Gás Liquefeito power supply from Petróleo (GLP) to a light hybridization system (MHEV). The initiative aims to extend the useful life of traditional engines in the face of strict emissions standards, ensuring an affordable and efficient mobility alternative before the compulsory transition to fully electric vehicles.
The brand’s move occurs in a scenario of regulatory pressure in Europa, where the Euro 7 standard requires drastic reductions in pollutants. By combining gas with 48-volt electrification, the company seeks to offer a robust transition technology, capable of replacing diesel and maintaining price competitiveness, one of the fundamental pillars of its operations in the global market.
This new mechanical configuration was designed to equip the automaker’s next high-volume launches, including the new generation of the Duster and the unprecedented Bigster SUV. The investment in bifuel hybrid technology demonstrates that the industry still sees potential in the controlled burning of fossil fuels, as long as it is assisted by electrical systems that mitigate the environmental impact and improve the vehicle’s overall energy efficiency.
The engineering behind the project focuses on extended autonomy and versatility of use, allowing drivers to travel long distances without the anxiety of immediate recharging. With the gas supply infrastructure already consolidated in several European countries, the solution presents itself as a pragmatic response to the current limitations of the electric charging network, especially in regions where the cost of energy or the availability of stations are still barriers to the mass adoption of battery-powered cars.
Technical details of the new 1.2 turbo engine
The heart of this new architecture is a 1.2 three-cylinder turbo engine, specifically developed to operate under the Miller cycle. Este Thermodynamic cycle is known for keeping the intake valves open for longer during compression, which reduces the effort on the engine and, consequently, improves thermal efficiency. The 48-volt electrical system acts as a fundamental support, providing additional torque during starts and restarts, times when fuel consumption is usually higher.
The light hybrid system’s compact battery is automatically recharged during braking and deceleration, eliminating the need for cables or external sockets. Essa stored energy is then used to power the vehicle’s auxiliary systems and alleviate the load on the combustion engine, resulting in smoother, more economical operation. The integration between the thermal engine and the electric engine was calibrated to be imperceptible to the driver, prioritizing driving comfort.
In terms of performance, the Dacia projects an initial power of 120 horsepower for the entry-level versions, with the potential to increase to up to 150 horsepower in future configurations. Essa power range is strategic to replace old diesel blocks, offering compatible torque to propel medium-sized SUVs and guarantee the traction capacity necessary for four-wheel drive versions.
Transmission and off-road capability
To manage the combined power of gas and electricity, the automaker chose to introduce an automated dual-clutch transmission (EDC). The choice for this type of transmission aims to optimize gear changes, making them faster and more precise than traditional manual or conventional automatic transmissions. The electronic transmission management works in tune with the hybrid system to always select the most efficient ratio for the driving condition.
Preserving 4×4 capability was a central requirement in the development of this new powertrain. Diferente Unlike some competitors that eliminate the driveshaft in favor of unique rear electric motors, the Dacia solution maintains the mechanical robustness required for severe off-road use. The hybrid system helps deliver torque at low speeds, facilitating overcoming obstacles and improving grip on slippery terrain.
The vehicle’s architecture was adapted to accommodate LPG tanks without compromising internal space or trunk capacity. The reservoirs are installed in the place where the spare tire would normally be, a solution that the brand already uses in its current models, but which now gains relevance with the addition of the 48V battery, requiring a new arrangement of components in the chassis.
Record autonomy and economic impact
The major competitive advantage announced by the manufacturer is the total autonomy provided by the combination of the two fuels. By adding the capacity of the conventional gasoline tank with the 50-liter LPG tank, the vehicle can achieve a range of up to 1,500 kilometers without the need for refueling. Esse number places the model in a prominent position in the market, surpassing most diesel and electric vehicles currently available.
For the consumer, the economic advantage is immediate, as LPG costs significantly less than gasoline or diesel in most European markets. The technology allows the driver to choose which fuel to use or let the system manage consumption automatically, prioritizing gas whenever possible to reduce the cost per kilometer driven. System maintenance promises to be simplified, as soft hybridization does not involve complex high-voltage components.
- Reduction of operating costs with priority use of LPG.
- Elimination of the need for charging through sockets.
- Higher resale value due to environmental compliance.
- Cheaper maintenance compared to plug-in hybrids.
Sustainability and long-term vision
From an environmental point of view, burning LPG results in CO2 emissions around 10% lower than that of pure gasoline, in addition to generating fewer particles harmful to human health. Embora is not a zero-emission solution, the technology represents an important intermediate step towards reducing the carbon footprint of the existing rolling stock, especially in price-sensitive market segments.
Dacia reinforces that this technology will guarantee the compliance of its products until the total ban on combustion engines in União Europeia, scheduled for 2035.
The strategy reflects a market reading where the diversity of energy solutions is seen as essential. By not betting all its money on immediate total electrification, the company ensures its presence in emerging markets and regions with deficient infrastructure, maintaining the philosophy of offering the essentials at a fair price, now with an updated and more efficient technological guise.
