Citroën has taken the lead in the electric vehicle (EV) arena with the introduction of its new ë-C3 within the Stellantis group.
This marks the commencement of a series of compact electric cars spanning various brands under Stellantis, totaling seven reasonably priced EVs. Notably absent from this lineup is Peugeot, as CEO Linda Jackson revealed.
The CEO of Peugeot articulates the brand’s approach to enhancing electric car accessibility through alternative means. Jackson states, “We don’t see the solution in creating a smaller car but in providing as many innovative financial options as possible to maximize accessibility.”
In essence, Peugeot places greater emphasis on reducing operational costs rather than lowering the initial purchase costs, and consequently, it does not perceive the necessity for a smaller model below the 208.
Jackson cites the example of Peugeot As You Go, a program designed to enable users to drive an electric Peugeot for a modest monthly fee, covering a limited number of kilometers.
A pilot program conducted in France allowed the use of a Peugeot e-208 for €150 per month, partly facilitated by government subsidies. The program included a maximum monthly mileage limit of 500 km, with an additional charge of 7 cents per kilometer beyond that.
While the actual costs may not mirror the pilot program precisely, Peugeot, even without a smaller model than the 208, could play a significant role in making electric driving more affordable.
