French car maker Peugeot has announced that it will focus its resources on the development of a range of electrified sports cars, with a view to launching three new models by 2020.
The plug-in hybrid derivatives of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 SUV, the 508 liftback and SW wagon, will join the 504-inspired e-Legend to form Peugeot’s path to “approaching the energy transition with serenity”.
The plug-in sports cars will be developed closely with Peugeot’s sports team, following the French carmaker’s decision to pull out of the World RallyCross 2018, citing the racing event’s uncertainty of electrification.
Instead, it will concentrate on the development of the three PHEV models, which will feature the modular EMP-2 PHEV platform.
The 3008 Hybrid4 was launched at the Paris Motor show recently, and Peugeot says it will be able to operate as a purely electric vehicle, or together with the internal combustion engine.
With a 11.8-13.2kWh, 300v li-ion battery and 80kW motor, it would be able to drive up to 52km using the pure EV option.
The 508 on the other hand will pair a 75kW motor on the rear axle with a 148kWh engine driving the front wheels, and is said to be capable of 50km of range from the 11.8kWh battery, alone.
All models are also to be fitted with Peugeot’s ‘i-Cockpit’ dashboard which relays information on the PHEV’s efficiency, range and fuel consumption.
There are, as yet, no plans to bring Peugeot’s hybrid range to Australia.
Peugeot Australia’s national PR and corporate affairs manager Tyson Bowen told Cars Guide that Peugeot would, “continue to monitor the availability and suitability of the drivetrain for Australian customers and if they were to become available we would certainly study the case for local introduction.”
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.