Peugeot unveils e-308 EV with potential Australian launch in the offing

French automaker Peugeot has unveiled new all-electric versions of its 308 hatchback and 308 SW which, according to Peugeot Australia, could make their way to our shores in the near future.

Stellantis, the parent company of Peugeot, announced on Tuesday the launch of the new E-308 and E-308 SW (station wagon, also known as an estate car), which will join the existing plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 308 versions of the hatchback and station wagon.

Built on a brand-new electric engine delivering 115kW, 156bhp, and 260Nm of torque, both the e-308 hatchback and e-308 SW will boast a range of over 400 kilometres (WLTP) and will arrive successively in European markets in mid-2023.

The Peugeot e-308 SW will also be the first 100% electric estate car from a European manufacturer which will serve to help the company as it transitions towards electric-only models.

A new 54kWh high-voltage battery heralds a new generation of battery chemistry which uses a chemical composition with 80% nickel, 10% manganese, and 10% cobalt. An onboard three-phase charger comes as standard with a power rating of 11kW and a charging socket which accepts all charging modes.

As for charging speed, Peugeot claim that the e-308 can use a 100kW public charging point and charge from 20% to 80% in less than 25 minutes.

The design of the e-308 remains rooted in the company’s standard design ethos and boasts a longer front bonnet, enhancing the car’s silhouette, with the brand’s new crest proudly displayed in the centre of the grille. Integrating the design of the e-308 into the Peugeot family, the fang-shaped light signature at the front frames Matrix LED headlamps, as do the three-claw LED lights at the rear.

Importantly for Australia, it looks as if not only will the internal combustion engine (ICE) and PHEV models be making their way to our shores in the next few months, but the new EV models are also on the cards for a possible Australian launch.

“We are looking forward to launching the Peugeot 308 in the Australian market next quarter with naturally-aspirated hatch and wagon variants, further expanding the range with the addition of a plug-in hybrid electric hatch in Q1, 2023,” said Kate Gillis, managing director of Peugeot Australia, in a statement to The Driven.

“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.”