Peugeot states it is currently on track to deliver its targets for electrification. We have been invited to their E-Lion event where they are showcasing the multitude of electrified models in their range. By the end of 2023 every model in the Peugeot line-up will be available as an electric model. By 2025 the plan is that every Peugeot will have a 100% EV offering and 100% of their cars sold in Europe will be electric.
When the E-Lion project was put in place it was Peugeot’s response to a dramatic shift in the automotive industry. In order to swiftly change direction they set out how they would need to design, construct and deliver a whole new range of cars that met with strict EU guidelines.
Peugeot needed to look at their ecosystem of products and services. They had to make sure the end-to-end customer experience, from charging to connectivity would be in place and all of it based on a 100% battery electric lineup. Peugeot have set a huge commitment in developing a 100% BEV line-up by 2025. Targets include maximising efficiency, minimising kilowatt consumption and all of this has to lead to a Carbon Net Zero target by 2038.
Peugeot will release 5 new EVs in 2 years, with the E-308, E-308 SW (a first for a European electric estate), the E-408, E-3008 and E-5008. The electric 308 and 308 SW will be powered by a brand-new electric engine, developing 115 kW (156 bhp) and with a range of over 400 km (WLTP cycle) with an average energy consumption of 12.7 kWh.
Peugeot’s new hybrid technology comes in the guise of the MHEV 48v system which will be available in the 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008 and 408. The Hybrid 48V system comes in the form of a new-generation 100hp or 136hp PureTech petrol engine via a 6-speed electrified dual-clutch gearbox (E-DCS6) incorporating a 21 kW electric motor. The battery recharges while driving, and it has an increased low-end torque with a 15% reduction in fuel consumption (from 126g of CO2/km in 3008). In urban driving, a C-segment SUV equipped with the HYBRID system can thus operate half of the time in electric mode.
The E-3008 and E-5008 will be the first cars launched with the new state of the art STLA Medium platform. First up this year is the E-3008 which will have a range of around 700 km, with 3 electric powertrains, including dual motor. Steer by wire will allow new ways to control the vehicle and it will have the next generation of intelligent i-COCKPIT®.
Peugeot’s new BEV-by-design line up will have a totally new design language with focus on the interior space and function. Steer by wire technology, Smart Cockpit and Autonomous Driving are all new technologies developed for future Peugeot products.
Over the next two generations of products there will be changes to the materials used with lightweight seats (thinner seats, air quilted/moulded fabrics), recycled alloys (raw material finishes, no alloy or chrome), the use of recycled materials and end-of life recycling considerations. The Carbon Net Zero plan extends beyond 100% electrification to consider materials used in product design and manufacture. There’s also plans for retrofitting, to convert vehicles to BEV, designed to extend the life of a car.
It’s good to know that the CEO of Peugeot obviously has an interest in cars and wants to ensure they are still fun to drive going into the future. There may be a lot more technology between the driver and the road than ever before. From what we’ve seen, it’s important that the driver remains a foremost piece of the puzzle for Peugeot when creating their cars…for now. They have much more opportunity than before to redesign the interior space and the entire experience for passengers.
They’re invested in the evolution of the brand with exciting concepts such as the E-Legend and 9X8 Hypercar. It would be nice to know there were a 206 GTI waiting in the wings and for now Sport Engineered is the most athletic offering to the public, while we carefully watch the development of their hybrid technologies in endurance racing and wait for it to trickle down to the consumer lineup.