Change everything without shaking everything. These are the specifications that seem to be attached to this new 100% electric Peugeot 3008. If this new model was presented in September at the Stellantis factory in Sochaux, orders for the electric version open this weekend.
First emission-free version of this best-seller with 1.3 million copies sold worldwide, 400,000 of them in France, the e-3008 inaugurates important technological innovations for Stellantis: the new platform “STLA Medium” in the electric version, a new 98kWh battery that will be offered in 2025 with ACC cells, an electric motor of its own design. With the requirement of maintaining the driving pleasure that made (among other things) the success of the previous 3008.
New battery, new platform
“The entire platform was designed around the battery pack.”explains Christophe Patois, Peugeot 3008 project manager.
Up to 12 modules (the subassemblies that make up the battery), initially composed of BYD cells and then of cells from the French company ACC, are integrated into the lower part of the platform, on the floor of the vehicle. The objective: to transport a lot of energy at the same time to guarantee a range that will range between 510 kilometers (with the 73 kWh battery) and 700 kilometers (98 kWh battery) next year, while guaranteeing true driving comfort, with a low center of gravity. gravity that improves road grip. Driving comfort is, in fact, one of the strong points of the previous generation of the 3008.
The other technical challenge of this new 3008 was to make this platform perfectly modular: in addition to a light hybrid engine and a plug-in hybrid, the 100% electric version It is therefore available in two versions. one with this “small” battery (73 kWh) or one with a large battery (98 kWh), two- or four-wheel drive, that is, with one or two electric motors. The charger and power electronics are also manufactured in-house.
What consumption with a vehicle that weighs more than 2 tons?
With this transition to electric, the car becomes heavier, with a curb weight of 2.1 tons for the first version marketed with the “small” 73 kWh battery (compared to less than 1.6 tons for the mild hybrid thermal version).
But, during our first test of just over 100 kilometers, this electric version made a good impression on us precisely at this point… overweight. The power of 210 horsepower and the torque of 345 Nm seem very adequate to make you forget this weight. Like the suspension adjustment, a little firm, but it allows for a good balance between dynamism and comfort. Special mention for the very short turning radius, which allows this SUV to maneuver with agility.
Comfort also depends largely on the especially careful soundproofing in this model, an essential element in this electric 3008 that continues Peugeot’s commitment to luxury. Rolling noises are well masked, as are air noises. An aerodynamics well highlighted by the engineers of the lion brand and that also allows us to announce a fairly low level of consumption for a model of such large dimensions: 14 kWh per 100 kilometers, or even less depending on the choice of wheels (19 inches ). in Allure finish, 20 in GT finish, like our test model). We thus obtained a score of 17.5 kWh per 100 kilometers, quite honorable for our route that covered a highway at 110 km/h, mountain roads, national roads at 80 km/h and some urban areas.
The first platform made in Stellantis
The 3008 inaugurates the first platform born from the merger of Fiat and PSA in Stellantis. This STLA Medium will later host the new 5008, also with an electric version, the new Opel Grandland, the DS8 and also much larger models for the American market, details Les Echos.
The challenge posed by the birth of this platform designed by the R&D teams in France is, therefore, crucial, especially because it is a multi-energy platform: it allows the production of both thermal and electrified cars. Ultimately, 2 million vehicles must be built each year on this platform.
The truth is that this great difference between an average SUV and the large American models, although it allows savings, entails an inherent excess weight in the platform, which gives rise to a naturally heavy vehicle (almost 2.1 tons with the battery small).
Fastback design, new i-cockpit driving position
The other problem with this model is the design. When it sells (too) well, a vehicle’s features can become boring, even if they have contributed to its success. A situation that the previous 3008 could have experienced, which was still sold in 2019 with 250,000 copies in the year.
Therefore, Peugeot chose to change while maintaining its strong markers. The grille under the lights and the speckling are reminiscent of other models in the current range. There is “fastback” allows it to be clearly distinguished from its predecessor, as does the aesthetic choice of the lower bodywork in glossy black with GT finish or the rear lights with small claws.
The interior has also been completely revised, with a new version of the i-cockpit (the driving position and dashboard of the vehicle, see box below).
A new generation i-cockpit
Peugeot once again develops its i-cockpit, the commercial name of the combination of screens offered by Peugeot since the first 208 in 2012. In the high-end GT finish we find a panoramic version with a single curved panel measuring 21 inches diagonal. (see photo below). It is made up of two parts: non-touch for the counter part and touch for the infotainment part.
A screen that seems to float in the air above the dashboard, a very successful visual effect that also allows you to play with the lighting atmosphere on board. We also find under the central vents, the “i-alternate”, these configurable touch keys, allow easier access to certain important functions, such as air conditioning settings. Fortunately, the new center console also retains physical buttons within easy reach for essential functions such as defogging the front and rear or turning off the ventilation.
Renault Scénic, Tesla Model Y
One of the challenges of the electric 3008 is also to be competitive in price, because there is a lot of competition and purchasing power issues force brands to adjust prices. And therefore the costs. “Not counting the Chinese brands that are arriving”whispers a Peugeot engineer. In fact, the electric 3008 faces the Renault Scénic, the Tesla Model Y or even the Volvo EX30.
Less than 47,000 euros in France for the bonus
Peugeot therefore tightened prices. In the Allure version, the first finish of the range, the 3008 equipped with the 73 kWh and 210 horsepower battery (the large battery will be marketed later) has a starting price of 44,990 euros in France (not including the bonus of 4,000 euros) . The top-of-the-range GT version has a starting price of 46,990 euros and is therefore also eligible for the bonus.
Prices 2,000 euros above the undisputed champion of the electric SUV category, the Tesla Model Y, which currently starts at 42,990 euros (even without including bonuses). The next important competitor also in the French market: the new Renault Scénic that also makes the big leap to electric, with a starting price of 39,990 euros.
This electric version of the 3008 is also 6,000 euros more expensive than a basic range Peugeot 3008 hybrid.
In a difficult context for electric vehicles, it remains to be seen if this 3008 will find its audience. In fact, Peugeot did not achieve good commercial results in Europe last year: its sales increased by only 2.2%, while those of VW increased by 11.8%, those of Skoda by 25% or those of Renault by 16, 1%, according to ACEA (European manufacturers association).
The Inovev firm foresees 165,000 annual sales of the new 3008, all engines combined, with around 45,000 100% electric sales.
Source: BFM TV
