The Peugeot 308 electric car has many advantages, but it has major disadvantages

The e-308 is Peugeot’s first step into the electric C segment. did you win?

The e-308 is Peugeot’s first step into the C electric vehicle segment, which represents 70% of electric vehicle sales in Portugal.

The e-308 is already available on the national market, and four more 100% electric models for the C-Class will follow in the coming months: the estate (SW) version of the e-308 in December; Both e-408 and e-3008 in the first quarter of 2024; Finally, the e-5008 is closer to the end of next year.

The next few months will be very busy for the Lion brand, but it all starts now, with the e-308, which we have already had the chance to drive on national roads. watching video:

How can this e-308 be distinguished from the thermal 308?

From the outside, if not for the 18-inch aerodynamic wheels (developed specifically for these electric versions) and the “E” on the tailgate, the e-308 would be impossible to distinguish from the combustion 308.

Everything else remains the same, including the front grille, although there is no need to cool the electric motor that now “lives” under the front hood.

However, as Peugeot officials explained to us during the recent presentation of this model in Tarragona (Spain), both at the grille level and at the lower fascia level, some modifications have been made in order to improve the air flow, and thus improve the aerodynamics.

Internally too?

As is the case with the exterior, the interior has also changed little or nothing, except for some specific menus on the central screen, related to the electrical system, and the exclusive finishing of the seats, which combines artificial leather, fabric and microfiber, as well as new graphics in blue and green. Neon.

GT versions feature Alcantara seat coverings as standard with neon green stitching on the seats, carpets and dashboard.

Other than that, everything is exactly the same as what we already knew about this model, which continues to boast one of the most interesting cabins in its class.

The latest generation of i-Cockpit, which combines a compact steering wheel with a digital instrument panel visible above it, a 10-inch central multimedia screen and i-Toggles. These are six digital buttons that can be fully customizable, thus ensuring quick access to six main functions.

If you want to see the interior of the new e-308 in detail, including space in the rear seats and trunk, watch the featured video (above).

Usual 308, now electric

Based on the same platform as the Thermal versions, the Peugeot e-308 features its electric drive, made up of a 115 kW (156 hp) and 260 Nm motor, and a 54 kWh battery (50.8 kWh useful). .

Enough power to cover up to 412 kilometers on a single charge (WLTP combined cycle), although this figure may vary depending on the equipment and wheels chosen.

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It may not seem like a lot of power for a car that now weighs around 1.7 tons (1,684 kg), but I didn’t feel like more was needed. Especially considering what is the expected use of a family member in this sector.

It is true that when we look at 9.8s race From 0 to 100 km/h, we noticed that the e-308 is not only slightly slower than the 130 PS Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech (petrol) but even slower than many rivals. However, in the so-called “real world”, I never felt like this was a limitation.

Whether you’re ‘stepping’ through traffic or overtaking, the Peugeot e-308 will always respond quickly to anything you ask of it. Just don’t expect acceleration from one bank to another. If this is what you’re looking for, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

Something I noticed with great pleasure was the fact that Peugeot didn’t tune the suspension too aggressively to cope with the extra mass: there’s a 350kg difference between the e-308 and the 308 1.2 PureTech with 130bhp.

At this level, the e-308 continues to stand out for being very balanced. It’s comfortable, with a suspension that filters out road irregularities well, and it’s competent from a dynamic standpoint. The body does not lean too much when cornering and we do not feel, for example, that the front axle “dives” too much when braking.

Depreciation is an important asset

But what impressed me most during this first experience behind the wheel of the new Peugeot e-308 was the fuel consumption. I managed an average of 15.3 kWh/100 km, and in the city I managed about 13 kWh/100 km, a record lower than that announced by the Lion brand.

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This leads me to an important question: Is it really possible to travel more than 400 kilometers on a single charge? Yes, if you “forget” to use the highway regularly.

In mixed use, more skewed towards urban circuits, I have no doubt that this figure is achievable. But if your usage includes several kilometers of highway, aim for lower numbers, around 300-320 kilometres.

At what speed can it be charged?

When the battery runs out, it’s important to know that the Peugeot e-308 accepts charging speeds of up to 100 kW direct current (DC), allowing it to go from 20% to 80% in less than 25 minutes.

In addition, the Peugeot e-308 is equipped as standard with a three-phase on-board charger that allows it to charge at up to 11 kW AC. At this speed, a full charge takes five hours.

how much does it cost?

The new Peugeot e-308 is now available on the national market, with prices starting from 42,200 euros for the Allure version and 44,100 euros for the GT version.

Yes, far from being the least expensive proposition, it is more expensive than most of its competitors. In many cases, it surpasses the E-308 in power and autonomy. However, it appears to have been placed in line with Renault Megane E-Tech Electric With a power of 130 horsepower and a 60 kWh battery.

Read also:
Kia Niro EV vs Volkswagen ID.3 vs Renault Megane E-Tech. Which one is the best?

The SW version will arrive next December, which will cost 1,000 euros more than its counterpart, the Peugeot e-308.

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