MOTORS:Does the trailblazing all-electric Peugeot E-308 live up to the hype?
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In spite of all the chopping and changing by the government on their electric car policy, the manufacturers are pressing ahead with the changeover from petrol and diesel engines.
Several have already said their range will be fully electric by the original deadline of 2030, whatever the government decrees or however much they move the electrification goalposts.
Like the giant Nissan they can’t do much else, having committed to massive investment in the latest technology to prepare for the end of production of new conventionally-powered cars.
Nissan is the only car company to have its own battery manufacturing capability in the UK and says it will invest £1 billion in expanding the facility which sits next to its Sunderland car plant. The government has contributed £100 million to the project.
The company’s chief executive says they believe it’s the right thing to do for the business, customers and the planet.
Others, like the French brand Peugeot, are in the same frame of mind. They’ve launched the E-Lion range, recognising the part the King of the Jungle has played in their trademark over many years since the company was founded.
It covers several models including the featured car, the E-308, Peugeot’s first all-electric hatchback C-segment vehicle, powered by a new 156hp electric motor and 54kWh battery.
It’s a good looking car with the flowing lines and relaxed curves of its conventionally-powered cousin which are not only easy on the eye but are designed to help the car achieve excellent aerodynamics. All the bodywork like bumpers, body pillars, door mirrors, elongated roof spoiler and even the 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels have been specifically developed for improved aerodynamic efficiency.
At the front, the latest Lion face emblem is in the centre of the large vertical grille, while fang-shaped daytime running lights frame the LED headlights, which are available with new Matrix LED technology for improved visibility at night. The three-claw lighting is repeated at the back.
The interior is very smart and stylish revolving around Peugeot’s signature small heated steering wheel along with a fully customisable digital instrument panel, a 10-inch central touchscreen with advanced infotainment and customisable i-Toggle switches. The front seats are heated and if you like your comforts and are happy to splash out you can also get them with a massaging function as an option.
The interior is a good place to be and you can experience the thought that’s gone into streamlining everything to put the controls within easy reach.
There are stacks of storage space including two smartphone slots and passengers in the back have two USB-C sockets, phone storage and cupholders.
But it’s the electric element which makes this car different and there’s a dedicated screen within the infotainment system so you can monitor the electric powertrain including energy flow from the battery to the electric motor, as well as the energy recovery when the regenerative braking setting is activated.
That’s one of the driving modes including Eco, Normal and Sport which are called up through a rocker switch on the central console.
Even without using the Sport setting, the performance is excellent, with the instant electric power going straight and seamlessly to the front wheels. You should get around 250 miles from a full charge but that could rise to more than 300 if you’re doing a lot of stop-start driving.
You don’t even have to be in the car to keep an eye on what’s happening with the power reserves. The MyPEUGEOT app includes the ability to view the battery charge status, start charging remotely and schedule a charging session.
