Peugeot has already electrified the new 308 by offering two plug-in hybrid options, but there’s more to come later this decade. Talking to Automotive News Europe, a spokesperson for the French brand confirmed an all-electric derivative has been green-lighted for production and will be launched in 2023. Technical specifications have not been provided as the company representative said it’s “too early” to go into details.
It is believed sister model Opel Astra coming later this year will also spawn an EV version, but it’s unclear which platform the two electric compact hatchbacks are going to use. They’ll either sit on an adaptation of the existing EMP2 developed for cars with combustion engines or they’ll use the new eVMP architecture Stellantis is developing for dedicated zero-emissions models.
The bespoke eVMP will premiere in 2023 on the next-generation 3008 and it would make sense for the 308 to adapt that platform considering it represents the crossover’s hatchback equivalent. Stellantis has previously stated eVMP will be compatible with both front- and all-wheel-drive models, meaning the EVs will be offered with single and dual electric motors.
The most powerful vehicles will have up to 250 kilowatts (335 hp) and it has already been confirmed eVMP will underpin hybrid models as well. In regards to range, the fully electric cars will cover anywhere between 400 to 650 kilometers (249 to 404 miles) per the WLTP cycle. Details about the batteries have not been disclosed, with Stellantis only saying these will have “standard modules for cost efficiency.”
EV versions of the Peugeot 308 and Opel Astra will go up against the Volkswagen ID.3 and the mechanically related Cupra Born coming out later this year as the sportier alternative while utilizing the same MEB platform. Skoda has hinted it too will launch an MEB-based electric compact hatchback, but it’s unlikely to arrive before the 308 / Astra EV.
As part of the Ford-VW tie-up, the Blue Oval has access to the MEB architecture and has already announced plans to “design and build at least one high-volume fully electric vehicle in Europe.” It’s earmarked for a 2023 launch, although it’s unclear which body style it will use. Our money is on either a crossover or a hatchback.
Source: Automotive News Europe
