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 All-Electric Peugeot e-308 hatchback
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). Peugeot was founded in 1810 in Eastern France (Sochaux). The company was founded by Jean-Frédéric and Jean-Pierre II Peugeot. The company has won many awards for its passenger cars, to include, six European Car of the Year awards. A notable success was the best-selling Peugeot supermini launched in 1983. The company has also achieved a rich heritage in motor racing.
The company currently has the following battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs):
- All-electric Peugeot e-208
- All-electric Peugeot e-2008
- All-electric Peugeot e-308
- All-electric Peugeot e-308 SW
- All-electric Peugeot e-3008
- All-electric Peugeot e-408
- All-electric Peugeot e-5008
- All-electric Peugeot Rifter
- All-electric Peugeot Traveller
- Peugeot 308 Plug-in Hybrid
- Peugeot 308 SW Plug-in Hybrid
- Peugeot 3008 Plug-in Hybrid
- Peugeot 408 Plug-in Hybrid
- Peugeot 5008 Plug-in Hybrid
- Peugeot 508 Plug-in Hybrid
- Peugeot 508 SW Plug-in Hybrid
- Peugeot 508 PSE Plug-in Hybrid
- Peugeot 508 SW PSE Plug-in Hybrid
- Peugeot Hypercar 9X8 Plug-in Hybrid
The internal combustion engine (ICE) Peugeot 308 family hatchback (C-segment) was unveiled and launched in 2007 replacing the Peugeot 307. In the same year, the company showcased a prototype hybrid (diesel-electric) 308 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which was followed by the Prologue concept car at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The third-generation Peugeot 308 was unveiled and launched in 2021 (developed on the Efficient Modular (EMP2) platform). In the same year, the 308 was also offered as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) variant. The Peugeot 308 is the first model that is offered in three powertrain variants: internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (BEV) and battery-electric vehicle (BEV).
The five-door five seat Peugeot e-308 pure electric hatchback was introduced in September 2022. The Peugeot e-308 uses the EMP2 V3 multi-energy platform (evolution 3 of EMP2 platform). This platform is also used for plug-in hybrids and conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The primary focus of the platform is for compact and mid-sized cars. Some of the cars developed on the EMP2 V3 platform, include: the Citroën C5 X, Opel Astra (Vauxhall Astra) and Peugeot 408.
The Peugeot e-308 is available in only one EV battery size: 54 kWh (Lithium-ion), with a claimed range up to 414 km (WLTP). Adjusting for real-world driving conditions, expect an electric range up to 350 km on a single-charge. In comparison, the all-electric Renault 5 hatchback has a 52 kWh onboard EV battery with a claimed 410 km range. It is true, in that, there are many EVs with a larger onboard EV battery.
However, it is not necessary to buy an EV with the largest onboard EV battery. Most day-to-day driving needs are short distances (school runs, local high street etc), and a smaller onboard EV battery will be more than adequate. In any case, the Peugeot e-308 offer a practical real-world electric range for both, urban and motorway driving.
For those new to electric driving, it is worth noting that a number of factors can impact the claimed e-range. Some of these include: driving profile (speed/braking), weather conditions (temperature/ wind), terrain (topography/ road surface/ road condition), vehicle weight, regenerative braking and other factors.
The Peugeot e-308 electric hatchback has a 11 kW AC (three-phase) onboard charger as standard. As most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply, EV charging will be limited to 7.4 kW AC. The BEV can be charged 0%-100%: 7 hrs 20 mins via a dedicated single-phase smart EV charger. Using a domestic 3-PIN socket to charge the EV will take 14 hrs 40 mins. Three-phase EV charging will take 5 hrs 46 mins for a full charge.
We at e-zoomed encourage using a dedicated smart solar compatible EV charger for home charging. e-zoomed offers a wide range of high quality residential EV chargers (supply and installation). The e-308 BEV offers up to 100 kW DC charging capability. The EV can be charged 20%-80% in 30 mins. Peugeot offers as standard a 8 years or 160,000 km EV battery warranty up to 70% of original capacity. Though this is now the industry standard, some automotive manufacturers offer even a longer EV battery warranty period.
We at e-zoomed encourage EV owners to install on-site (home or business) solar PV and battery storage. It is a fantastic way to leverage the potential for lower cost of ownership of an electric car, and also achieve ‘well-to-wheel’ zero-tailpipe emissions. We at e-zoomed offer a number of fantastic solar PV and battery storage bundle offers!
Given the increased maturity of the EV sector, there is a fantastic choice of pure electric hatchbacks for EV buyers in Europe. Apart from the Peugeot e-308, other e-hatchbacks to consider, include: the all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech, the all-electric Dacia Spring, the all-electric BYD Dolphin and the all-electric MG4 EV.
The Peugeot e-308 is 4.36m long and 1.46m tall (1.85m wide). In comparison, the Renault 5 is 3.92m long and 1.49m tall, and the MG4 EV is 4.28m long and 1.50m tall. The e-308 does not have a frunk and offers a 361 L boot (up to 1,271 L with rear seats folded down). It is not surprising that the e-308 does not offer a frunk, given the EV has not been developed on an EV dedicated platform. A frunk is usually perfect for storing the EV charging cable! The Renault 5 and the MG4 EV offer 326 L and 363 L boot space, respectively. The exterior styling of the Peugeot e-308 is a good balance between a futuristic and traditional design language. The conventional petrol-powered 308 looks the same, except for a few tweaks (the ‘E’ badge signifies the all-electric version)!
The Peugeot e-308 has yet to be awarded the Euro NCAP Safety Rating. The EV offers the following safety features, as standard: intelligent speed adaption, cruise control and speed limiter, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, speed limit recognition, active safety brake, driver attention warning, acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) and more. In terms of technology, the EV incorporates the Peugeot i-Cockpit and 10″ head-up digital instrument panel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The interior quality of the cabin reflects the premium price! The EV offers adequate headroom and legroom for adults seated in the rear. However, the floor is not flat as in some pure electric cars built on a dedicated EV platform! The EV offers up to 34L interior storage.
The front-wheel drive (FWD-single-motor powertrain) Peugeot e-308 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 9.8 seconds (maximum power: 156 HP/ torque: 270 Nm). The top speed of the electric car is 170 km/h. In comparison, the Renault 5 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 8.0 seconds. The Peugeot e-308 BEV has three driving modes: Sport, Normal and Eco. The EV also incorporates two levels of regenerative braking: moderate and increased (B-Mode). For maximum range best to use the Eco and B-mode. The BEV has a 14.9-15.6 (kWh/100km) electric energy consumption. Though the EV offers a heat pump, it is an optional extra. We recommend choosing this option, to further enhance the efficiency of the vehicle.
Is the Peugeot e-308 a good car? We believe the electric car has much to offer. However, the higher pricing makes the BEV less attractive. Prices start from € 34,995. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Decent practical electric range and AC/DC charging capability | Cheaper alternatives available |
Interior cabin premium quality | Heat pump is not standard |
11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | Not developed on a dedicated EV platform |
The All-Electric Peugeot e-308 hatchback (credit: Peugeot)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Vehicle Type: | Hatchback |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (1 Option) |
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Peugeot e-308 Active (from € 34,995) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 54 kWh |
Charging: | 100 kW DC rapid charging standard (20%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs 46 mins)/ 7.4 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 20 mins) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km (70% of original capacity) |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
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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): | 1465 |
Width (mm): | 1850 |
Length (mm): | 4365 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2680 |
Turning Circle (m): | 10.5 |
Boot Space (L): | 361 (up to 1,271 L with rear seats folded down) |
Frunk (L): | N/A |
Peugeot e-308 | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 54 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 414 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 14.9 – 15.6 |
Charging: | 100 kW DC rapid charging standard (20%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs 46 mins)/ 7.4 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 20 mins) |
Top Speed: | 170 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 9.8 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 115 |
Max Power (HP): | 156 |
Torque (Nm): | 270 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,684 |
Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | N/A |
Colours: | 6 |
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Insurance: | 24E/25E |
Air Quality: An Overview
If there is one common theme that unites many of us, it is the concern over worsening air quality in our villages, towns and cities. This concern is not unique to Ireland, but a narrative that is now firmly centre stage globally. The detrimental health consequences of higher pollution, in particular, on the vulnerable, like children and the elderly is significant, and well documented.
According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), the PM2.5 concentration in Ireland is currently 1.6 times higher than the WHO annual air quality guideline value. WHO has described air pollution as the ‘single biggest environmental health risk’, leading to an increase in the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
Electric vehicles and in particular, zero-tailpipe emission EVs, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), help improve local air quality i.e. a pure electric car does not have a tailpipe/ exhaust, hence, zero-tailpipe emissions! Without an iota of doubt, all types of EVs, to include, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are better for improving air quality, compared to conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. We encourage all drivers in Ireland to migrate to lower emission electric driving.
Type Of Pollutants |
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Particulate matter (PM or PM 2.5) |
Ammonia (NH3) |
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) |
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) |
Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCS) |
Primary Sources Of Pollutants |
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Road transportation |
Industrial processes |
Farming and agricultural processes |
Waste industry |
Energy generation |
Domestic burning |
Other forms of transportation, such as aviation, shipping and railroads |
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