This is only a half-surprise, because Peugeot had already announced the arrival of the 100% electric version of its 308 for 2023. On the other hand, we discover a little more about some developments in the engine and battery assembly of the band.
Peugeot had disappointed us a little by not marketing the 308 in an electric version from its launch. The brand then focused on thermal and hybrid versions. Peugeot had planned a launch of e-308 in 2023.
This September 13, 2022, the French manufacturer formalizes the arrival of the electric motorization on the two bodies: e-308 (compact) and e-308 SW (break), by distilling some additional information on its characteristics.
Still a single battery, but a promise of efficiency
Some will gladly say that Peugeot is playing with fire to always offer only one engine and battery. Especially since this battery and motor combination is found in all the group’s electric models: Citroën, DS, and soon Jeep, with the exception of the electric Fiat 500, which is unique.
With e-308, Peugeot inaugurates a small evolution of this platform. Until now, the 50 kWh battery was combined with a 100 kW motor, easy to remember round numbers. This platform, common to all models, also makes it possible to compare aerodynamic efforts, because Citroën e-C4 has always had more autonomy than Peugeot e-208 or e-2008.
For 2023, this battery motor assembly is undergoing a significant change. The battery goes from 50 to 54 kWh, less for its useful capacity. Peugeot announces a new NMC type battery chemistry with: 80% Nickel, 10% Manganese and 10% Cobalt. A battery that operates at 400 Volts, so there will be no revolution in terms of performance and charging.
Peugeot draws our attention to an announced consumption of 12.7 kWh/100 km. This would offer a range of over 400 km for this e-308. This element is particularly interesting, but we wait to see to believe it. Is it mixed consumption or urban consumption? We are wary of the advertising effects of marketing. We are therefore waiting for the approvals before congratulating Peugeot too warmly for this efficiency.
A few more horsepower for the engine
The engine goes from 100 to 115 kW (or 156 hp). It offers a torque of 260 Nm. Again, we will appreciate the evolution, but we regret that the e-308 does not offer slightly higher performance, because this electric version finds itself drowned in the middle of the 308 range between species and hybrids.
If 115 kW (156 hp) are perfectly suited to urban models, it is a bit fair compared to the competition. There is indeed the entry-level Mégane e-tech with its 40 kW battery and 130 hp, but for the moment this represents only 20% of sales compared to the versions with 60 kW battery and engines of 220 hp.
It is therefore a bet on which Peugeot launches, this one could be paying according to the tariff proposed for these e-308 and e-308 SW.
No prices yet
We will have to wait a few more months to find out more about the prices of this new electric motorization for 308 and 308 SW. It is this element that will make the new e-308 truly attractive and competitive, or conversely, not really in tune with the competition and customer expectations.
All that is currently known is that customers will be able to take advantage of an entirely online order, if they wish to save themselves the passage in concession.