Peugeot Introduces The E-408 With A Punchy Electric Powertrain

The 408 crossover from Peugeot gets a whole new, all-electric variant. So far as we can tell, the E-408 is only going to be offered with one powertrain option.

The E-408 is more powerful than its smaller sibling, the E-308, thanks to its single electric motor that produces 207 horsepower and sends it to the front wheels. The current 408 PHEV has 222 horsepower, while the latest 408 is somewhat less powerful.

The E-408's battery is slightly larger than the E-308's, but it's still very little in comparison to the power packs used in the majority of compact-sized electric vehicles. The E-308's WLTP range is around 248 miles (400 km) in both the hatchback and wagon models, thanks to Peugeot's 54 kWh battery that slides beneath the floor. A 58.2 kWh unit improves the E-408's range to 282 miles.

Peugeot claims that the average daily mileage of tiny and C-segment purchasers is less than 28 miles, but it's not only the range that seems slow; the charging times are as bad. Even with a DC charger, the E-408 only manages 62 miles of range in 10 minutes, which is incredibly sluggish compared to other electric vehicles with a maximum charge rate of 120 kW.

A 20-80 percent top-up takes 30 minutes, but Kia’s EV6 can fill its much bigger 84 kWh battery from 10-80 percent in 18 minutes. The EV6 also offers a more impressive 381 miles of range from a full battery. Peugeot has also equipped the E-408 with an 11 kW onboard charger for AC hookups.

Both the Allure and the more extravagant GT trim levels are available for the E-408. The GT trim justifies its higher price with features like ambient lighting, LED matrix headlights, a hands-free motorized tailgate, and Level 2 driver-assist technology. Included in all trim levels are amenities like a wireless Apple CarPlay system, a heat pump, dual-zone temperature control, an integrated route planner into the navigation system, and a smartphone charging app for optimal battery life.