Peugeot e-408: the lion has lost its fangs
Peugeot certainly does not produce the most advanced electric cars available, but by using the same platforms for all its engines, the brand was able to quickly produce a wide range of trendy models. Peugeot thus prides itself on having become the European general manufacturer with the widest range of electric cars, leaving maximum choice to its customers.
The 408, a raised sedan launched in 2022, has not yet offered a 100% electric version. Despite its discreet career, Peugeot decided to offer it such a variation, called e-408, which brings some new features compared to the very ordinary e-308.
Short battery life and long charging times
As a reminder, the two models share the same EMP2 platform, but the greater wheelbase of the e-408 allowed its electric version to carry a larger battery. The e-408 is thus equipped with a pack of 58.2 useful kWh (NMC 811 cells), a slight increase compared to the 51 kWh of the e-308. The WLTP autonomy of the e-408 thus reaches up to 453 km (pending final approval), compared to 416 km for the e-308. This range of action, however, remains disappointing for a vehicle that is 4.69 m long all the same.
The recharging capabilities of the e-408 cannot compensate for this mediocre autonomy. It only accepts up to 120 kW of direct current power, for a charging time of 20 to 80% which would take 30 minutes according to Peugeot. This is already a long time, and if this value is as realistic as that announced for the e-3008, then you will have to plan something to occupy yourself during long breaks at the charging stations. The SUV, which is based on a completely different architecture, is also supposed to ensure a charge of 20 to 80% in 30 minutes, but we had to wait 46 minutes to carry out this same exercise during our test. For AC charging, the e-408 is equipped with an 11 kW onboard charger.
On the engine side, that of the e-408, which drives its front wheels, develops 157 kW (210 hp) of power and 345 Nm of torque. However, the mass of the machine is not specified.
The e-408 will be produced in Mulhouse. It will be launched at the beginning of next year, at prices starting at €43,900 excluding bonuses. By way of comparison, a Tesla Model 3 is billed from €41,490, without being eligible for the ecological bonus, but with a greater range of around a hundred kilometers (554 km on 18-inch rims), much more complete standard equipment, certainly much higher performance , a much more modern on-board technology… and the list goes on. We therefore wish Peugeot salespeople courage in selling this e-408, for whom the only arguments remaining are the integration of ChatGPT and a warranty of up to eight years or 160,000 km.
