No successor for the 108
The Dacia Spring, the Leapmotor T03, and the upcoming Renault Twingo and Volkswagen ID1 are all models that never have to worry about a Peugeot. Peugeot CEO Alain Favey tells AutoWeek that such a model is not coming.
Looking for an electric Peugeot? Then the smallest and least expensive you can buy is a Peugeot e-208. An electric car in what we call the B-segment. More and more brands are also offering a car in the segment below. Think of Dacia with the Spring in the segment of EVs of around €20,000, as well as the T03 from Leapmotor and the Volkswagen ‘ID1’ and the new Renault Twingo that have yet to come onto the market. These models are all sure to face more competition in the coming years, but there will be no Peugeot among them.
In an interview with AutoWeek, the new CEO of Peugeot, Alain Favey, says that Peugeot will not come up with a smaller EV than the e-208. An electric equivalent of what was once the Peugeot 108 is therefore out of the question. “Given the current rules on homologation in Europe, a small electric car below the 208 is not viable for Peugeot.” Favey is of course referring to the relatively high costs of developing a model for the European market, as well as the relatively small profit margins that manufacturers can achieve in the A-segment. The fact that there are European brands that are engaging Chinese partners for such small electric cars is no reason for Peugeot to do the same. “Other brands may see something in that, but not Peugeot.” Crystal clear.
The fact that there will be no small and cheaper electric car from Peugeot, at least under the current regulations, is not only related to the price tag. And not even to the type of powertrain. There will be no successor to the Peugeot 108 at all, not even with a gasoline engine. “Peugeot is a volume brand that is positioned somewhat higher in the market. For us, the 208 class is the entry-level segment. We believe that the space and equipment that we can offer in the 208 suits our target group. Smaller? Not a good idea.”
EV with range extender
Another thing that Favey sees no future in for the European market is the EV with range extender. Electrically powered cars with a relatively small battery and a combustion engine that can recharge the battery when needed. Popular in China, but according to the Peugeot CEO, not something for Europe. It would be a difficult case to get the European consumer on board with that. “We do not believe in this technology for the European market,” Favey concludes.