Peugeot looks to electrified future

PEUGEOT Citroen Australia is in a much-needed product renewal phase, the French brands set to introduce several all-important electrified vehicles in 2023, among them the e-208 small hatch that was described as ‘in its absolute final stages of evaluation’ by Peugeot Citroen Australia representatives.

Peugeot Citroen Australia national corporate affairs and public relations manager Chloe Fraser told GoAuto that “the e-208 is at its absolute final stages of evaluation, and we will have more information to share on that very soon”.

Meanwhile, the electrified offerings grow apace at Peugeot… The arrival of PHEV versions of the 508 Fastback and 3008 SUV last year will be joined this year not only by 308 PHEV, but also the 508 Sportwagon PHEV and possibly the 408 PHEV.

“I can say that the there is an electrified 408 that is offered globally,” said Peugeot Citroen Australia managing director Kate Gillis.

“And that's part of the consideration for the variants that will make up the range in this market. 

“For 408, in terms of the specification, what the line-up will look like here, we'll have more information to share soon on that. But at this stage all we can say is that it is due to arrive in H2.”

There is a bevy of BEVs due to land in Australia from the French brand this year.

“We have strong ‘e’ plans for the Australian market, and so of course each relate forms part of those vehicles that we're evaluating to bring into the market,” said Ms Gillis.

Already announced is the first Peugeot BEV to arrive here, the $59,990 (plus on-road costs) e-Partner due by mid-year.

The new Peugeot ePartner BEV will hit the light van market as a rival to Renault’s Kangoo electric Maxi ZE LWB priced from $50,398 +ORCs.

Peugeot’s generation three Partner petrol van range starts at $35,606 +ORCs for the 1.2 Pro Short model.

The e-2008 SUV is likewise confirmed for local sale in the second half of this year, while Peugeot is also considering a battery-powered mid-size commercial, the e-Expert.

Lastly, a fully electric version of the 308 hatch is also on the cards, although Peugeot is keeping its cards close to its chest n that model, for now.

“The 308 was only just globally announced, but it is on our evaluation list for the Australian market. I don’t have any more information to share at this stage,” said Ms Fraser.