By Michael Elkins
Peugeot, a Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) owned French automobile company announced that they will be launching an all-electric version of their Peugeot 308 in Europe next year. However, an Australian launch is yet to be confirmed.
The new electric model, named the E-308, will come as a hatchback or station wagon, both with a 54 kWh high-voltage battery. The battery is a 400-volt system that Peugeot says will be good for over 400 km (248 miles) on a charge.
The French car maker attributes the e-308's efficiency to optimized aerodynamics under the car, "weight optimization" and low-friction economy tires. There's also a regenerative braking system.
The introduction of the new Peugeot e-308 is the latest development in the brand’s aim to offer every vehicle in its line-up with an electrified variant by 2025. Peugeot has not yet commented on the price, but announced that the e-308 will be available for purchase entirely online in some countries.
An Australian launch is "under evaluation," to follow the launch of the petrol 308 range locally later this year, and a plug-in hybrid hatch variant in the first quarter of 2023
"We are looking forward to launching the Peugeot 308 in the Australian market next quarter with [petrol] hatch and wagon variants, further expanding the range with the addition of a plug-in hybrid electric hatch in [the first quarter of] 2023," Kate Gillis, managing director of Peugeot Australia said in a media statement."
"The global reveal of a full battery electric 308 is exciting and we can confirm the e-308 is under evaluation for the Australian market as part of our electrification journey, which will offer Australian customers the choice of electrified variants across our passenger, SUV and LCV ranges."