Electric Peugeot E-308 costs more than a BMW 3 Series

Over a year on from its initial reveal, order books have now opened for the new Peugeot E-308. Prices start from £40,050 for the electric 308 in hatchback form, with buyers having to wait even longer to get their hands on the Peugeot E-308 SW estate, which goes on sale later this year.

As with the Peugeot E-208 and E-2008, styling changes for the E-308 are hardly noticeable compared to a 308 with an engine. There’s an italicised E emblem next to the 308 badge – which is a different design to the badges on Peugeot’s other EVs – while a set of exclusive 18-inch aluminium wheels will be fitted to all E-308s.

The changes are much more substantial under the skin, however, as the regular 308’s 1.2-litre petrol engine has been replaced with a 154bhp electric motor, as well as a 54kWh battery pack. Peugeot says this is sufficient for a range of up to 257 miles – roughly 45 miles less than a Hyundai Kona Electric, despite the E-308 costing roughly £1,500 more than that car.

Rapid charging at speeds of up to 100kW is possible, enabling a 20-80% top-up in as little as 20 minutes when the E-308 is connected to a suitable public rapid charger. Performance figures are yet to be revealed, but because the Peugeot shares its parts with the similarly-sized Vauxhall Astra Electric, we expect it to match the Vauxhall’s circa-nine-second 0-62mph time.

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At launch, three versions will be offered: Allure, GT and the limited-run First Edition. As you’d hope for an electric hatchback costing in excess of £40k, the Allure comes decently-equipped as standard, with Peugeot’s ‘i-Cockpit’ digital dials, a 10-inch touchscreen that’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated part-leatherette seats and a reversing camera. A heat pump is also standard to boost efficiency during the colder months.

GT models will set back buyers an eye-watering £42,250, but adds Matrix LED headlights and LED claw-effect taillights, sporty Alcantara upholstery, 3D-effect dials, ambient lighting and a host of driver aids including adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.

The range-topping First Edition will only be available for a short time after launch and, curiously, costs less than the GT car, starting from £42,080. This sets itself apart with metallic paint (optional on lesser trims) and model-specific blue upholstery, but is otherwise very similar in terms of specification to the GT.