The redesigned Peugeot 308 hatch and wagon will offer not only a plug-in hybrid, but also an electric option.
Autocar reports the Peugeot e-308, as it will be known, will also feature a more powerful electric powertrain than that used in the e-208 and e-2008.
It’s set to enter full production in July 2023, which makes it some ways off. The internal combustion engine-powered range is launching here in the second half of this year.
The front-wheel drive e-308 will reportedly use a single electric motor with 115kW of power and 269Nm of torque, up 15kW on that in the smaller Peugeot EVs.
The battery capacity is up 4kWh to 50kWh (54kWh gross), supports fast-charging at up to 100kW, and will reportedly have an electric range of nearly 402km.
Autocar reports the e-308 will weigh approximately 1600kg – the same as its plug-in hybrid counterpart. Cargo space will also be the same as its electrified sibling.
The motor, on-board charger and heat pump will be positioned under the bonnet.
Project manager Agnès Tesson-Faget said the plug-in hybrid already accounts for 20 per cent of 308 orders, and expects the electric version to account for a decent chunk considering 20 per cent of Peugeot sales in Europe last month were of its electric vehicles.
Peugeot is simultaneously rolling out both plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles.
The new plug-in hybrid 308 will join the plug-in versions of the 3008 and 508, both of which are launching here in the first quarter of this year.
In the electric column, there’s the aforementioned e-208 and e-2008. Peugeot also sells electric versions of its Partner, Expert and Boxer vans, plus the Rifter and Traveller people mover versions of the first two.
In fact, Peugeot has just discontinued internal-combustion engine versions of the Rifter MPV in Europe.
Peugeot Australia general manager Kate Gillis told media early last year the company it plans to introduce its first electric vehicle in 2022.
We contacted the company again, and no further information was forthcoming.
CarExpert understands Peugeot Australia is evaluating the e-2008 and a light commercial vehicle, and is also evaluating the 208 in both petrol and electric guise.
Before the e-308 comes here, if that is indeed Peugeot’s plan, we’re set to get its plug-in hybrid counterpart according to government approval documents.
It combines a 132kW petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor and 12.4kWh battery pack. Claimed electric range is 59km on the stricter WLTP cycle.
The introduction of a plug-in hybrid 308 will give Peugeot a rare plug-in offering in the small car segment. Currently, only the Hyundai Ioniq offers a plug-in powertrain in Australia, with PHEV versions of the Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf restricted to other markets.
The 308 rides a version of the previous model’s EMP2 platform, which has been upgraded to accommodate plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains.
The hatchback also has a 55mm wheelbase than before, though the wagon’s is unchanged.
MORE: Everything Peugeot 308
