Peugeot 3008 plug-in hybrid to lead brand's electric push

Peugeot will launch a bold assault on the electric car market with 208 and 2008  electric models, following the launch of a 3008 all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid variant in 2019, boss Maxime Picat has announced.

Other smaller cars in the Peugeot range are likely to get electric powertrains, while cars in bigger segments will get plug-in hybrid units.

“For the smaller cars, like the 208 or 2008, we will launch electric versions of them,” Picat confirmed at the unveil of the new 3008. It will be electrification for smaller platforms, smaller cars, and plug-in hybridisation for the bigger segments.”

Peugeot’s parent company, PSA, recently unveiled its five-year model strategy, which pledged to launch seven plug-in hybrids and four electric vehicles by 2020.

The plug-in 3008 will also come in all-wheel drive – with an electric motor on the rear axle – and an electric range of around 31 miles/49.6km, but the manufacturer was coy on the prospect of making a fully-electric version of its new SUV.

“Everything is possible in the future,” Laurent Blanchet, Peugeot’s product director, said.

“When you are able to have a plug-in version, it’s not very difficult to have an electric one because the technology is very near.”

Higher levels of autonomous tech

Peugeot will also introduce a greater level of autonomous technology across its range in 2020, according to Blanchet.

The 3008 SUV already has adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, which, Blanchet says, puts the car at the same level as its key competitors.

“That’s the first step, to be at the same level as the best brands on the market,” Blanchet said.

“The next step will be later, around 2020, with a second, third, fourth step of autonomous driving system.

“It’s technology that is linked to this platform. It will be possible on this platform, as we are developing a new small platform it will be available on that also.”