Bosch wins International Engine of the Year Engine Technology Development Award

Bosch has won the International Engine of the Year Engine Technology Development Award for its innovative hydraulic hybrid. This powertrain complements a classic internal combustion engine with hydraulic elements and a pressure accumulator filled with nitrogen. Frank Linkenheil, one of the two project leaders at Bosch, says: “Thanks to the hydraulic hybrid, alternative powertrains are one alternative richer. We are very proud to be the first company to win this new award.”

The International Engine of the Year Awards are presented annually by UKIP Media and Events. The Engine Technology Development Award was judged by 78 leading automotive journalists from 36 countries. This was the first year that suppliers were eligible for a new category in the awards. Dean Slavinch, Co-Chairman of the International Engine of the Year Awards, praised the hydraulic hybrid as the outstanding technical innovation of the past 12 months.

The innovative powertrain, which Bosch is developing in collaboration with PSA Peugeot Citroën, is the world’s first hydraulic hybrid with a pneumatic pressure accumulator. This can be rapidly charged, which means it can use surplus kinetic energy very efficiently when braking. Using this powertrain in city traffic can reduce fuel consumption by up to 45 percent. In other words, the hydraulic hybrid can significantly reduce the CO2 emissions of compact cars. The system is also suitable for other passenger car classes, as well as for inner-city delivery vans that have to stop and restart a lot.