Peugeot’s original fastback sedan is available in a 100% electric version and is taking its first steps at the Paris Motor Show. While it has a larger battery than the 308, the e-408 has disappointing battery life compared to the competition.
Two years after its debut, the 408 is available in a 100% electric version. This model also marks an important step for Peugeot, all of whose vehicles will be offered in electric mode in 2025 (the 508 is due to stop).
The 408 is derived from the 308, but the good news is that the e-408 has a different technical sheet from the e-308. As a reminder, the latter has a 156 hp unit and a 54 kWh battery. The 408 gets a more powerful unit, the one seen under the hood of the 3008, with 210 hp (in sport mode, otherwise it’s 190 hp in normal, 170 hp in Eco).
The 408 takes advantage of its stretched wheelbase to carry a larger NMC battery. It has a capacity of 61 kWh in gross, and 58.2 kWh in useful capacity. Enough to improve autonomy. While it is 416 km on the 308, here it is… 453 km.
A figure that can disappoint. This is still a low value for a family vehicle these days. The 408 measures 4.69 meters in length, so it is intended to be the first vehicle in a household, not a complement. Peugeot considers itself well placed against the competition, citing Tesla in particular. The fact remains that the Model 3 Propulsion is now at 513 km in the WLTP combined cycle!
More disturbing, there is internal competition within Leo. Equipped with a 73 kWh battery, the 3008 announces 529 km of autonomy, for €44,990. Peugeot has also had to adapt to this, because the 408 starts at €43,900 for electric, while until now it cost €45,600 for plug-in hybrid.
But the Lion will emphasize that 450 km is more than enough for everyday use, and that it is already good for longer journeys, especially since the manufacturer highlights controlled consumption, announcing 15.2 kWh per 100 km. DC charging is also improved compared to the 308, we have 120 kW peak instead of 100 kW. We recharge from 20 to 80% in 30 minutes in good conditions. But here again, the competition does better… There is an 11 kW three-phase onboard charger and the heat pump as standard.
Also read3008 electric: good news, Peugeot confirms the range of 700 km
For the rest, we find the 408 without change, this electric version not having the right to aesthetic specificities. The car continues to surprise with its appearance as a fastback sedan with a false SUV feel, notably with its imposing rear shield in raw plastic. An original silhouette that is not particularly successful. From January to September, just over 4,200 examples were registered in France, a number down 32% compared to 2023.
Nothing changes inside (the dashboard is that of the 308), except for a few adaptations to the electrics. The steering wheel thus receives paddles to manage regenerative braking (3 levels). The multimedia system is also updated, with navigation that integrates the tool for planning charging. The latter adapts to your driving style and the conditions of the journey (height difference or traffic for example). The electric version has a trunk of 471 dm3.
The e-408 is available to order, with a base price of €43,900. The vehicle should be entitled to the bonus, which will give €39,900, which better places it against the €41,490 of the Tesla Model 3.
The first deliveries are expected in early 2025.
The rest of your content after this announcement
The rest of your content after this announcement
