What will be Peugeot's first electric car in Australia? Electric versions of 208 hatchback, 2008 SUV and light commercial vans on the cards for 2023

If you’ve been holding off on buying an electric vehicle because you’re waiting for Peugeot to launch its line-up of zero-emissions models, then you might have to wait a little longer.

Peugeot had initially said it would launch its first EV in 2022, but it has now confirmed that this has been pushed back to 2023 as a result of the global supply issues impacting virtually every manufacturer.

Peugeot has a number of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric models in its line-up in Europe and other markets, but so far in Australia it only offers the recently released 508 and 3008 PHEVs.

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But Peugoet’s first electric model might not be a family friendly SUV or a city-sized hatchback. Instead, Peugeot’s first EV in Australia will be a light-commercial vehicle (LCV).

The company’s Australian arm confirmed in a statement that the delay on its EV models was due to the “unprecedented environment the global automotive industry is currently facing”.

But in encouraging news, the statement also confirmed a range of electric models covering different body styles and segments: “Our commitment to introduce electric vehicle offerings to the Australian market remains unaltered, with plans being finalised across electric passenger, SUV and LCV product offerings.

“In that vein, we are delighted to confirm the first battery electric vehicle to launch in Australia will be an LCV with more information to be provided in due course.”

The e-2008 is also under consideration for Australia.

Peugeot has a few LCVs in its line-up globally, including the e-Partner small delivery van, the e-Expert mid-size van and the e-Boxer large van. It has also confirmed limited production of a hydrogen-powered version of the e-Expert.

Peugeot is yet to confirm which of these models will be first cab off the rank, but of the three electric LCVs, the two that make the most sense are the e-Partner and e-Expert.

Drilling down, the e-Expert could be the first to arrive given the higher volumes in the medium van segment compared with compact vans. And there is about to be some serious competition in that segment.

Two models are set to hit the market soon, with the Mercedes-Benz eVito the first to arrive this year. Priced from $89,353 before on-road costs, the eVito is available to order now in limited numbers and has a driving range of 262km.

The e-208 hatch is also being considered.

The other entrant is the Ford E-Transit Custom that has a longer range of 380km but won’t hit Australian shores until 2024. Pricing is also unclear at this point.

So if Peugeot does go for the e-Expert as its first electric offering, it will beat Ford to market. However, with a range of 330km, it won’t quite beat the Ford’s driving range.

Australian sales for both the current Partner and Expert are line ball for the first eight months of 2022, (202 versus 204 YTD). With that in mind, Peugeot could mix things up and launch the e-Partner first as there is only one other electric competitor in the compact van segment - the Renault Kangoo E-Tech.

The e-Partner uses a 100kW/260Nm electric motor and a 50kWh battery, ensuring a driving range of 275km. The Kangoo E-Tech on the other hand can drive for 300km before a top up.

The Kangoo-rivalling e-Partner is also a possibility.

The other option is the e-Boxer van with its range of up to 340km, but given the low volumes in the large van segment, this is less likely. Although the electric offerings in this end of the LCV market are about to expand with Mercedes-Benz launching the eSprinter in 2024 and Ford lobbing the E-Transit large van next year.

In terms of Peugeot’s other EV offerings, the company says the e-208 light hatch is still currently under evaluation for Australia.

This model has just received a boost in Europe by adopting the new e-308’s electric mechanicals, giving it a higher driving range of up to 400km.

The e-308 hatchback is also under consideration, but if that happens it will be well after the launch of the petrol version which is coming before the end of this year.

As well as these two hatchbacks, the 2008 SUV is another likely contender for Australia given the hot SUV segment. It can be driven for about 344km before requiring a charge.

It won’t be long before Peugeot’s next-generation 3008 and 5008 SUV twins appear too, and they are all but guaranteed to be offered with the option of a full electric drivetrain.