The Peugeot 308 Plug-In Hybrid Hatchback: The Complete Guide For India

Peugeot 308 Plug-In Hybrid
Price: N/A
Type of electric vehicle: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body type: Hatchback
Battery size: 12.4 kWh
Electric range (WLTP): 60 km
Tailpipe emissions: 24 - 30g (CO2/km)


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 Hatchback PHEV


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 Peugeot 308 hatchback, a popular family car, was first unveiled in 2007. The latest generation (3rd) was unveiled in 2021, to include the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant.

If striking looks matter and you are willing to compromise on practicality, then the Peugeot 308 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 hatchback 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: 7.5 seconds), compared to the 180 e-EAT8 (0-100 km/h: 7.6 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 52 km. The EV range is impacted by a number of factors, to include, driving profile, speed, load, regenerative braking, road condition, weather, wheel size 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 electric car charging will help improve the overall efficiency of the electric 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 1.1 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 pure 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, the rear seats are impacted by the exterior styling and the onboard EV battery. Headroom and legroom for rear seat passengers is not as spacious as other PHEVs in its class. The boot size (361 L) is also not as large as other EVs in its segment.

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 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is not available in India.


PROS CONS
Attractive exterior styling and high quality interior7 kW onboard charger not available as standard
Decent electric rangeBoot space not as large as alternative
Cheap to drive on electric modeRear seat not spacious

Gallery


The Peugeot 308 Hatchback PHEV (credit: Peugeot)


At A Glance
EV Type:Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Vehicle Type:Hatchback
Engine:Petrol-Electric
Available In India:No

Trims (1 Option)
Peugeot 308 (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):1441
Width (mm):2062
Length (mm):4367
Wheelbase (mm):2675
Turning Circle (m):10.5
Boot Space (L):361

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):1.1 – 1.2
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):180 (combined)
Torque (Nm):266 (combined)
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,603
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):1.2 – 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:7.5 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

India Electric Vehicle (EV) Market


India, like many other countries, is well positioned to benefit from the shift to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Road transportation is a major contributor to air pollution (over 30%), choking our towns, cities and villages across India.

Diesel vehicles, in particular, diesel trucks and diesel buses, are significant sources for tailpipe emissions. But given the rise in the standard of living, since liberalisation, the demand for privately owned passenger cars has increased at an unprecedented pace, further worsening the air quality. India has more than 3 crores (30 million) cars releasing tailpipe emissions on its roads!

Though we have seen some improvements in air quality during the ongoing pandemic (as a result of lower vehicle traffic), India’s shift to electric driving will be key in achieving long-term higher air quality. Of course, apart from EVs, the continued development of green and renewable energy infrastructure will be key in achieving lower long-term air pollution. India has already demonstrated global leadership in regards to large-scale solar and wind projects! Hopefully, India will replicate the success with zero-emission electric vehicles.

Despite recent announcements and support from local and national government agencies in India, the EV market is still at a nascent stage, well, at least in terms of electric cars and electric vans. Two-wheel electric scooters and three-wheel electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) have demonstrated a strong uptake, and India is poised to become a global leader in electric scooters and electric rickshaws (e-tuk).

In fact, the ubiquitous e-rickshaw commands an impressive 83% of the Indian electric vehicle market. India currently has over 15 lakhs (1.5 million) e-rickshaws, with each EV playing a role in reducing tailpipe emissions on our roads in India.

Sales of passenger electric cars is still at an early stage. In FY2021, though the market witnessed a growth of nearly 110% from the previous year, the absolute volume of cars sold was only 5,905 electric cars. Currently there are less that 15 pure electric car models available on sale in India.

Tata Motors, the biggest automotive manufacturer in India has launched the Tata Nexon electric SUV. Mahindra Electric, another leading Indian automotive manufacturer, has also launched a number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), to include, the Mahindra eVerito electric car, Mahindra eSupro electric van and Mahindra e2o Plus compact electric car. International manufacturers, like UK based MG Motors, have also launched the MG ZS electric SUV in India. Also available are the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV and the Hyundai Kona electric SUV.


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.


While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.




Author

Ashvin Suri

Ashvin has been involved with the renewables, energy efficiency and infrastructure sectors since 2006. He is passionate about the transition to a low-carbon economy and electric transportation. Ashvin commenced his career in 1994, working with US investment banks in New York. Post his MBA from the London Business School (1996-1998), he continued to work in investment banking at Flemings (London) and JPMorgan (London). His roles included corporate finance advisory, M&A and capital raising. He has been involved across diverse industry sectors, to include engineering, aerospace, oil & gas, airports and automotive across Asia and Europe. In 2010, he co-founded a solar development platform, for large scale ground and roof solar projects to include, the UK, Italy, Germany and France. He has also advised on various renewable energy (wind and solar) utility scale projects working with global institutional investors and independent power producers (IPP’s) in the renewable energy sector. He has also advised in key international markets like India, to include advising large-scale industrial and automotive group in India. Ashvin has also advised Indian Energy, an IPP backed by Guggenheim (a US$ 165 billion fund). He has also advised a US$ 2 billion, Singapore based group. Ashvin has also worked in the real estate and infrastructure sector, to including working with the Matrix Group (a US$ 4 billion property group in the UK) to launch one of the first few institutional real estate funds for the Indian real estate market. The fund was successfully launched with significant institutional support from the UK/ European markets. He has also advised on water infrastructure, to include advising a Swedish clean technology company in the water sector. He has also been involved with a number of early stage ventures.

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