Peugeot, Citroen and Opel to have all-electric versions of compact vans

French automotive manufacturer Groupe PSA announced on Thursday that from 2020 the company will launch all-electric versions of its compact van range – which includes the Peugeot Expert, Citroën Jumpy, Opel Vivaro and Vauxhall Vivaro.

Currently, all new models launched by the company – which currently leads the light commercial vehicles (LCV) segment in Europe, with a 24.7% market share – come with either all-electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains, leading to the company’s decision to launch its all-electric range of compact vans starting next year.

The vans will be offered in both passenger and commercial configurations – one which will have a travel range of 200 kilometres on a 50 kW battery, the other which will boast travel range of 300 kilometres on a 75 kW battery.

The announcement is part of Groupe PSA’s longer-term goal to ensure all its passenger cars and LCVs are electrified by 2025.

“Groupe PSA is pushing ahead with the electrification of its LCV range by offering electric versions of compact vans for business and individual customers,” said Xavier Peugeot, senior VP of Groupe PSA’s light commercial vehicles unit.

“Without compromising on features, the range will help strengthen our leadership in this segment in Europe. In 2021, our entire range of LCVs and their passenger car equivalents will be electrified.”

Groupe PSA’s new generation of compact vans are being designed around the EMP2 multi-energy platform – a vehicle platform developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën for compact and mid-size vehicles and is designed to be highly modular – so as to offer zero carbon emission mobility for both passenger and LCV models.

This new generation of all-electric vehicles will serve in part to help Groupe PSA expand its market share across Europe in the relevant segments. The new all-electric versions of its LCVs will be assembled at the Hordain plant northern France.