Fatigue alert systems
INNOVATIVE DS Automobiles’ driver monitoring technology is leading the charge ahead of a 2022 safety deadline that will mean all new EU cars must be fitted with fatigue alert systems.
The introduction of new laws passed earlier this year will make driver drowsiness and distraction warning mandatory on all new cars across the EU from 2022.
DS Automobiles is ahead of the safety development requirements with its DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING, which helps keep drivers alert and prevents them from falling asleep at the wheel. The advanced technology tracks signs of tiredness, potentially helping save around 50 lives a year on UK roads.
The system, already available on DS 7 CROSSBACK, combines a pair of infrared cameras focused on the driver with continuous vehicle position monitoring.
Futuristic driver-facing cameras, mounted above the steering wheel and at the top of the windscreen, monitor three key physical signs of distraction or drowsiness; movement of the eyes, eyelids or neck. If any of these are detected, an audible alert is set off and a warning notice appears on the digital instrumentation display.
At the same time, vehicle position monitoring constantly tracks the car in relation to road markings and warns the driver with an audible alert if there are any sudden or unexpected steering movements.
The combination of these technologies allows the DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING system to comprehensively monitor drivers for the key warning signs of distraction and drowsiness and maximises the window in which a driver can be warned and encouraged to take steps to counter against it.
The new PEUGEOT 508 HYBRID range has passed stringent certification tests under the new WLTP protocol with impressive results. Achieving 29g CO2/km (1,3L/100km) and 54 km in 100% electric mode for the 508 fastback and 30g CO2/km (1,3L/100km) and 52 km in 100% electric mode for the SW estate, under Ireland’s Budget 2020 announcements, the range will therefore qualify for the newly calculated grant thresholds now applicable.
Under new rules, plug-in hybrids must now emit less than 50g/km CO2 and travel more than 50km in all-electric mode to qualify for the €5,000 SEAI grant and €2,500 VRT relief. The new 508 HYBRID range will go on sale in Ireland from December when prices and specifications are announced, with first units arriving in early 2020.
The new PEUGEOT 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID combine a 180bhp (132kW) PureTech petrol engine with a 110bhp (80kW) electric motor for a maximum combined power of 225bhp (165kW). The battery offers a capacity of 11.8kWh and recharging takes less than 1h45 with a Wallbox (optional 6.6 kW charger, 32A).
With the introduction of the PEUGEOT 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID, PEUGEOT’s primary aim was to successfully deliver ownership and running costs, dependant on local taxes, equivalent to that of a traditional BlueHDi diesel 130bhp EAT8 8-speed automatic engine.
For business to business company use, this cost is calculated based on 30,000 km ayear with a driving rate of 65% in hybrid mode and 35% in 100% electric. For private individuals, the calculation is based on an assumption of 15,000 km per year with a 50/50 split between hybrid and 100% electric driving.