The Peugeot 208 is
in for a major upgrade in 2019 when, for the first time ever, it will receive
an electric version. The zero-emission derivative will be underpinned by the
e-CMP architecture, a modified version of the CMP, also called EMP1, which will
be the foundation stone for Citroen’s upcoming EV, also due next year. From a
visual standpoint, the Peugeot 208 EV will look pretty much like the
ICE-powered versions of the supermini.
In fact, only a few
exterior modifications will be made, including the addition of a flat front
grille, reports Autocar, quoting the company’s design chief Gilles Vidal. Other
changes will include custom sub-menus for the infotainment system and
instrument cluster.
In other words,
Peugeot won’t follow in the footsteps of Volkswagen with an electric sub-brand,
“for now”, according to Vidal. “For us, the [e-CMP] platform means the cars can
take several powertrains as part of our plan”, he added, referring to the fact
that all future Peugeots will gain electric versions by mid-2020.
Peugeot is
developing the next-gen 2008 alongside the 208. The subcompact crossover is
also expected in 2019, with the same PSA-Dongfeng-made platform. Just like the
208, the 2008 will also spawn an electric derivative, thus raising the bar in
the segment for other vehicles such as the Nissan Juke and Opel Mokka X.
