Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Peugeot 308 SW PHEV Estate
Peugeot is part of the Netherlands based Stellantis N.V., which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Italian/ American) and Groupe PSA (French).
You may not be familiar with these names, but the automotive brands in the portfolio would be well known to most consumers. These include: Maserati, Opel, Vauxhall, Jeep, FIAT, Alfa Romeo etc. The company’s portfolio of electric vehicles (EVs) include:
- The all-electric Peugeot e-2008
- The all-electric Peugeot e-208
- Peugeot 308 PHEV
- Peugeot 308 SW PHEV
- Peugeot 3008 PHEV
- Peugeot 508 PHEV
- Peugeot 508 SW PHEV
- The all-electric Peugeot e-Rifter
- Peugeot e-Traveller PHEV
- Peugeot 408 PHEV
The Peugeot 308 SW (estate body) concept was unveiled in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The production version was shown a year later at the Geneva Motor Show. The latest generation (3rd) was unveiled in 2021, to include the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant.
Though automotive manufacturers like Peugeot, have been busy upgrading their model portfolios, to include plug-in hybrid electric cars, in general, the number of available estate plug-in electric cars, still remains limited. Therefore, the Peugeot 308 SW plug-in electric estate car is certainly worth the consideration.
If striking looks matter and you are willing to compromise on practicality, then the Peugeot 308 SW PHEV is worth considering, given its improved environmental credentials (30g CO2/km) and fuel economy, compared to the conventional combustion engine variant. The combustion engine variant has tailpipe emissions up to 130g CO2/km. The PHEV is manufactured using the EMP2 V3 (Efficient Modular Platform).
The plug-in electric car is offered in two engine options: Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 (Puretech 150) and Hybrid 180 e-EAT8 (Puretech 180). The first option offers up to 225 hp, while the second offers up to 180 hp. Both variants offer 266 Nm torque. The Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 is just a little quicker in acceleration (0-100 km/h: 7.6 seconds), compared to the 180 e-EAT8 (0-100 km/h: 7.7 seconds). The top speed is 225 km/h (pure electric mode: 130 km/h).
Both variants are front-wheel drive (8-speed automatic), and paired with a 81 kW electric motor. Both EVs also offer the same onboard EV battery size (12.4 kWh). The battery size is fairly typical of PHEV of this type, and so is the claimed WLTP certified emission-free electric range (60 km).
However, expect the real-world electric range to be closer to 50 km. The EV range is impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, load, regenerative braking, road condition, weather and a lot more.
The EV can be fully charged via a dedicated EV charging station between 2 hours and 4 hours, depending on the onboard charger in the EV. The manufacturer offers a 3.7 kW onboard charger as standard, but offers the option to upgrade to a 7 kW onboard charger, at an additional cost. The upgraded onboard charger will take 1 hour and 55 minutes to charge the EV from 0% to 100%. The EV does not offer fast DC charging compatibility.
Taking advantage of the EV range will also require inculcating a habit of charging the EV on a regular basis, which again is as easy as charging a smartphone. We at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug for charging an electric car.
A ‘topping up’ approach to charging will help improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle and also improve the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Peugeot offers a warranty up to 8 years or 160,000 km for the battery (70% of original capacity).
The automotive manufacturer claims a fuel economy up to 1.0 l/100km for the electric vehicle (EV). Of course, the real-world fuel economy will depend on a number of factors, but none as influential as using the e-mode. Bottom-line, to increase the fuel economy of the electric vehicle and lower the driving costs, the PHEV should be driven as much as possible on the electric mode.
The EV has three driving modes: hybrid, electric and sport. Of course, using the sport mode will reduce the fuel economy of the PHEV.
It is also far cheaper to drive on electric mode, compared to using the combustion engine. Of course, driving on e-mode has the added benefit of a smoother and quieter drive.
In terms of practicality, this stylish electric estate car is not class-leading, but does get the job done. The EV offers cargo volume up to 548 L. However, the interior quality is high and the manufacturer offers a good level of standard technology and features, to include: driver assist pack, lane keeping assist, speed limit recognition, blind spot detection, driver attention warning, 10″ touchscreen with 3D navigation and more.
The PHEV has been awarded a Four-Stars NCAP safety rating.Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Peugeot 308 SW plug-in electric car is not available in India.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Good level of standard options | 7 kW onboard charger not standard on all models |
Stylish and attractive exterior design | Interior space is not class leading |
Cheap to drive on electric mode | Not available as four-wheel drive |
The Peugeot 308 SW PHEV Estate (credit: Peugeot)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
Body Type: | Estate |
Engine: | Petrol-Electric |
Available In India: | No |
Trims (1 Option) |
---|
Peugeot 308 SW (Rs N/A) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 12.4 kWh |
Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.7 kW standard (0% – 100%: 4 hrs). 7.4 kW AC optional (0% – 100%: 2 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 24 – 30g (CO2/km) |
Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1442 |
Width (mm): | 1852 |
Length (mm): | 4636 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2675 |
Turning Circle (m): | 10.7 |
Boot Space (L): | 548 |
308 HYBRID 180 e-EAT8 | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 12.4 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 60 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | N/A |
Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 1.0 – 1.3 |
Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.7 kW standard (0% – 100%: 4 hrs). 7.4 kW AC optional (0% – 100%: 2 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 225 km/h (electric mode: 130 km/h) |
0-100 km/h: | 7.7 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 81 |
Max Power (hp): | 180 |
Torque (Nm): | 266 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,659 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Four-Stars |
Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 12.4 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 59 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | N/A |
Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 1.1 – 1.4 |
Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 3.7 kW standard (0% – 100%: 4 hrs). 7.4 kW AC optional (0% – 100%: 2 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 225 km/h (electric mode: 130 km/h) |
0-100 km/h: | 7.6 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 81 |
Max Power (hp): | 225 (combined) |
Torque (Nm): | 266 (combined) |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,633 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Four-Stars |
Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Market
Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), more commonly referred to simply as, electric vehicles (EVs) or as plug-in electric cars, have come a long way over the past decade and certainly a long way over the past 100 years.
Electric vehicles came into prominence in the early 1900’s, a time when horse-drawn carriages were the primary mode of transportation. Archived black and white photographs from that period show famous avenues like Madison Avenue in New York city filled with horse-drawn carriages.
In stark contrast, a similar photograph taken a decade later of Madison Avenue showed not a single horse-drawn carriage. Instead the avenue was filled with motor vehicles, a new invention at that time.
We are now witnessing a similar fundamental shift in road transportation, as polluting internal combustion engines (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles are being replaced by low-emission and zero-emission electric vehicles. In countries like the United Kingdom, a leader in e-mobility, we can expect a comprehensive replacement of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 (UK will ban the sale of new ICE cars in 2030). The UK is not the only country that has a vision of a mass transition to zero-tailpipe emission electric cars.
Since 2011, the global electric vehicle (EV) market has increased at a year-over-year growth rate of over 50%. In 2020, according to the Global EV Outlook 2021 report, the global stock of electric vehicles (EVs) had surpassed 10 million units . In 2015, the Global stock was just over 1 million units.
In 2020, Europe accounted for the largest share of new car registrations of EVs (1.4 million registered electric vehicles), followed by China (1.2 million electric vehicles). In Europe, countries like Norway, Iceland and Sweden continue to show strong leadership in the transition to electric driving. In Norway more than 75% of new cars are electric, followed by 50% in Iceland and 30% in Sweden.
However, this is not just a western phenomenon. A number of countries across the world have announced their support for electric cars, to include India. Pure electric cars are now common sightings in a number of global markets, and EV automotive manufacturers, like California based Tesla Motors are now household brands.
Traditional automotive manufactures have also shown significant commitment to the migration to electric engines, to include Volvo Cars, the Volkswagen Group, Renault, Nissan, Peugeot, Hyundai, Mercedes, Land Rover and many more. Forecast for the sale of EVs suggest up to 30 million electric vehicles to be sold before the end of the current decade.
Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:
- BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
- PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
- MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
- FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)
The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.
Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.
BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe. A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.
On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine.
With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety! Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres.
No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.
PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)
Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV. Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station).
In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars. MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.
The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe.
It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.
FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.
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