Peugeot has confirmed that its new 308 will soon be available as a fully electric option. Both the 308 hatchback and 308 SW estate models will benefit from the new electric powertrain when it’s launched in summer 2023.
Prices are yet to be revealed, but expect the Peugeot e-308 to be considerably more expensive than petrol equivalents. The cars it’ll rival include the Cupra Born, Nissan Leaf e+ and Volkswagen ID.3, which all start from around £32,000. Meanwhile, the Peugeot e-308 SW estate will rival the MG 5 EV, the only other mainstream electric estate currently on sale.
According to CarBuyer, powering the e-308 will be a 154bhp electric motor, with a 54kWh battery providing enough charge for a 250-mile range. The electric motor is slightly more powerful than the one fitted to cars such as the Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Corsa-e, and the battery is a little bigger.
We understand that the e-308 will feature a heat pump to improve the maximum range in cold weather, and that the car will be lighter than its main rivals. You’ll be able to recharge from 10-80% in around half an hour from a fast charger, while 7kW single-phase and 11kW three-phase wallbox charging will be available too.
Unlike Peugeot’s range-topping plug-in hybrids, the e-308 won’t come with four-wheel drive. Adding power to the rear wheels would increase the cost, and would likely impact on practicality. The e-308 looks set to match the 308 Hybrid when it comes to boot space, meaning the hatchback will have 361 litres and the estate 548 litres.
Peugeot’s strategy of simply offering the electric option alongside petrol and diesel means there is likely to be a range of trim levels to choose from. Active Premium, Allure Premium and GT/GT Premium trim levels make up the 308 range, with the latter two getting sportier styling. Standard equipment should include LED headlights, parking sensors and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen.
From the outside, ‘e’ badges will be among the only differences between electric and petrol versions. It may also get body-coloured grille flashes, like the Peugeot e-208.
Vauxhall has already confirmed that an Astra-e will arrive at roughly the same time, and that too will offer both hatch and estate body styles. The DS 4 may also get this powertrain.
