2019 Peugeot 508, 3008 plug-in hybrids announced

Peugeot has revealed plug-in hybrid variants of its 508 and 3008 models that both offer enough battery-only range for a day’s worth of motoring while retaining the long-range capability of petrol power.

Not only that, but in the case of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 the adoption of a hybrid powertrain also unlocks an all-wheel drive capability thanks to a rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels. The 3008 medium SUV has been strictly a front-drive proposition until now, something that may have turned away buyers looking for an SUV with wet-weather grip.

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Besides improving traction on slippery surfaces, the Hybrid4 setup also turns up the dial on the 3008’s performance.

A 13.2kWh lithium-ion battery supplies voltage to both electric motors (another one sits within the gearbox and drives the front wheels), which each deliver 80kW and supplement the 147kW turbocharged petrol 1.6-litre to generate a total combined output of 220kW.

With all three power sources working together, the 3008 Hybrid4 can reach 100km/h in a hot-hatch-like 6.5 seconds.

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Driven at a more sedate pace in pure-electric mode, the battery supplies enough energy for up to 48km of range. For the average Australian commute of circa 15km, that’s enough to get from home to work and back without burning a drop of petrol.

It’s also worth noting that the Hybrid4 option also brings a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension for the 3008, which uses a much simpler torsion beam rear axle in front-drive form.

A less powerful hybrid setup will also be offered, which forgoes the rear electric motor and multi-link suspension in favour of a simpler – though less powerful – single-motor arrangement. The turbo petrol combustion engine generates 132kW by itself, and when operating in concert with the 80kW electric motor the system output maxes out at 165kW. The FWD driveline will be available on the Peugeot 508 Hybrid four-door and 508 Hybrid wagon, and will eventually be offered on the 3008 as well.

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Charging times for a household power outlet have yet to be announced, though Peugeot confirms that when plugged into a 32-amp, 6.6kW wall charger the 3008 Hybrid4 can be recharged in under two hours.

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If drivers prefer to save their battery charge for later, such as when they have to endure stop-start city traffic after a long highway cruise, both the Hybrid and Hybrid4 systems are capable of ‘holding’ their EV capability until when the driver requests it.

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Both the 508 Hybrid and 3008 Hybrid4 will make their first public appearance at next week’s Paris Motor Show, but aren’t due to enter European showrooms until this time next year.

An Australian arrival has yet to be confirmed for either of the hybrid models, though the new 508 sedan in its conventionally-powered form is slated to reach Australia either late this year or early in 2019. The 508 wagon is currently under consideration for this market.