French automaker Peugeot has confirmed to media outlets that the company will introduce electric variants of its vehicles to Australian shores starting in 2022, and two hybrid models in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Speaking to Australian car website CarAdvice, a Peugeot Citroen Australia spokesperson has confirmed that the French automaker is in the process of evaluating its electric models for introduction to Australia.
“In 2022, we will introduce electric variants to the Australian market,” a Peugeot Citroen Australia spokesperson told CarAdvice. “Whilst we are not currently in a position to confirm what they will be, various studies are underway and favourable. We look forward to sharing more information later this year.”
Little more is known than that Peugeot is planning to introduce EV models to Australia, but CarAdvice does expect the Peugeot e-2008 to be the first Peugeot EV to reach Australian showrooms.
Electric versions of Peugeot’s e-Partner and e-Expert vans are also said to be on the shortlist of EVs to be introduced to Australia.
Separately, CarAdvice also learned that the Peugeot 208 is “under evaluation” for an Australian launch, but whether that evaluation refers to the petrol or electric model is unclear.
CarAdvice also confirmed with Peugeot that two of the automaker’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter – an all-wheel-drive version of the 3008 mid-size SUV fand a front-wheel-drive variant of the 508 Fastback.
Earlier reporting suggested that the 508 plug-in hybrid would be available in multiple models, but CarAdvice confirmed that the PHEV model will only be available in the Fastback, while the wagon body style will be limited to petrol engine models.
Similarly, the 3008 PHEV will be badged Hybrid4 and will only be offered in all-wheel-drive, with the 165kW front-drive model seen in Europe not heading Australia’s way.
Unsurprisingly, all pricing and final specifications has been withheld, to be revealed closer to launch.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.