Peugeot 308 fully-electric version arriving in 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: Just like many other auto giants, the French carmaker Peugeot is also on a mission to electrify its complete lineup. The company has planned to convert all its models in some form of plug-in variants by 2023. In line with this, the automaker introduced the new generation 308 a few days back that will be offered with two plug-in hybrid powertrains initially, alongside the regular petrol and diesel trims. However, the French giant will not stop there as it is planning to roll out the mild-hybrids and a fully electric version of Europe's best-looking hatchback. 

In a recent interview with Autocar, the company’s product chief Jerome Micheron stated, “We want to give the customer the power of choice, because the market is evolving so fast, but we want to have the right answers. We’re launching the new 308 with petrol and diesel, we’ve already decided a roadmap in which we will launch MHEV and we also have a plan for an EV offer on the 308.”

About the underpinnings of the Peugeot 308 battery electric vehicle, Micheron told that the company would use the existing EMP2 platform, however, there are several other options for electrification in the Stellantis group. The said architecture is compatible with pure-ICE, plug-in hybrid, and mild-hybrid powertrains and it has also been used for electric versions of the conglomerate’s different MPVs, including Peugeot Traveller, Vauxhall Vivaro Life, and Citroën Spacetourer.

Under the hood, these electric models are fitted with a 50 kWh battery as standard and an electric motor delivering a maximum power of 136 PS and a peak torque of 260 Nm. Thus, the Peugeot 308 EV is also likely to use the same electric motor with a 50-kWh battery pack offering a cruising range of 150 miles on a single charge and capable of charging at 100 kW. However, Micheron also suggested that the brand would launch a new version of this platform in 2023 to support pure EVs, called e-VMP.

Besides this, the possibility of a hot 308 to join the new PSE lineup is unlikely at this moment. On this matter, Micheron said, "It's still under assessment, but the market has been shrinking very significantly.”

"We're considering some options for PSE products, but today we don't see that much volume for a very powerful engine, and when you look at CO2 regulations and limitations, we're not sure that's the right foundation for the performance vehicle."

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