At the end of January, the Stellantis Group’s Euro-based and -focused Peugeot brand announced its approach to research and development called the E-Lion Project, playing off the brand’s lion symbol. To meet the needs of customers for next-generation Peugeots, brand executives stressed that the guiding philosophy is not only about electrification but is intended to be a more holistic approach.

Based on the “5 Es:” Ecosystem, Experience, Electric, Efficiency, and Environment, the ecosystem of products and services is based on STLA platform enablers from parent company Stellantis and focused on the end-to-end customer experience.

Underlying the plan is the brand’s commitment to having a 100% battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup by 2025. The approach is focused on maximizing performance while minimizing kilowatt consumption. The end goal is sustainability and a commitment to achieve Carbon Net Zero by 2038.

“[The] E-Lion Project will define Peugeot’s strategy as an EV brand and ensure we stay connected to the pulse of society to deliver mobility that lives up to our brand values,” said Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson.

Peugeot’s Carbon Net Zero plan extends beyond 100% electrification to consider the materials used in product design and manufacturing, energy usage, and incorporation of products into a circular economy approach. The brand is well on its carbon-net-zero way, with forecasts showing a reduction in GWP (global warming potential) by about 60% worldwide and 70% in Europe by 2030.

“Carbon net zero is not three words, it’s a mindset, an approach, one that we all need to embrace as organizations and as individuals,” said Jackson. “Equally the E-Lion Project is not a strategy and a ppt deck. This is a project that we are committed to delivering on because it is critically important for us and future generations.”

That translates to a fast-growing electric fleet for Peugeot, which will release five new EVs in two years: E-308, E-308 SW, E-408, E-3008, and E-5008. The electric 308 and 308 SW, the latter the first European electric estate, will be powered by a new electric motor developing 115 kW and have a range of over 400 km on the WLTP cycle thanks to segment-leading efficiency, with an average energy consumption of 12.7 kW·h/100 km.

In the second half of 2023, the brand will reveal a new generation C-segment SUV called the E-3008, the first car launched on the new STLA Medium platform. It will have a range of up to 700 km, with three electric powertrains including a dual-motor version. The E-5008 follows shortly afterward.

 

Design and tech enabled by STLA

Peugeot’s new “BEV-by-design” lineup will be supported by Stellantis tech platforms, the onboard experience facilitated by STLA-Brain intelligence, STLA-Smartcockpit digital connectivity, and STLA-Autodrive assisted and autonomous driving. Collaborations with world-leading tech companies such as Amazon and Foxconn will ensure that new technology delivers the intended experience.

“When our customers drive an electric Peugeot, it is still undeniably a Peugeot first and foremost and that experience will always be our priority,” said Jerome Micheron, Peugeot Product Director.

Peugeot intends to reduce global warming potential by a factor of 4 over its next two generations of vehicles. Initiatives underway range from sourcing and supply-chain strategies to the overall composition and structure of the car down to the materials used. A few examples are the use of light and glass replacing black and chrome, lightweight seats, and more recycled materials including for alloy wheels.

In the future, Peugeot expects the lifetime of a BEV car will be 20 to 25 yr compared to today’s ICE (internal combustion engine) car around 15 yr.

The extended lifecycle is expected to be a great opportunity for designers to imagine new interactions with products during their lifetimes. The design approach includes “Refurb,” the ability to refurbish and recycle key parts. An “Update” component looks at refreshing key “wear and tear” parts of the car, like upholstery and trim as seen in the recent Inception concept vehicle, to make the car feel like new each time it changes hands. “On-demand” looks at regular over-the-air refreshes of HMI, lighting, and other software-driven components to keep the car alluring.

“Imagine no more second-hand cars,” said Matthias Hossann, Peugeot Design Director. “Instead, a fresh and personalized car you can update or upgrade anytime, depending on your needs. An always up-to-date product that keeps its value throughout its lifetime.”

 

Inception is the inspiration

Bringing many of these initiatives into concept reality was the Inception concept vehicle revealed at CES 2023. Peugeot’s vision for future EVs will inspire the brand’s future products, with the goal of bringing most of its innovations to production. Underneath the concept’s skin is the Stellantis STLA Large hardware platform and an interior design that features the brand’s next-generation i-Cockpit and innovative Hypersquare control system with steer-by-wire.

“Our ambition is simple: to make Peugeot the leading electric brand in Europe by 2030,” said Jackson. “This objective and ambitious vision pave the way for a radical transformation for the brand, as represented by the Inception.”

The 5 m long concept is just 1.34 m tall. Its STLA Large platform, one of four future Stellantis Group platforms, was specifically created for electrification, which enabled designers to completely rethink the concept car’s passenger compartment. The electric platforms will also introduce artificial intelligence modules called STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit, and STLA AutoDrive. The arrival of this new range of platforms starting in 2023 is expected to revolutionize future Peugeots.

The Inception marks a simpler and more refined design language for the brand, which will be introduced on future models in 2025.

At the front, it features a new light signature incorporating Peugeot’s “claw” design, which is merged with the front grille to create a single object that also houses sensors. The single piece of glazing has the Peugeot logo in the center magnified with a 3D luminescent effect.

A “tech bar” screen, running horizontally through the door, displays messages on the outside of the car and houses most sensors, decluttering the bodywork. When occupants approach, sensors and artificial intelligence recognize them and adjust settings like seat position, temperature, driving mode, and multimedia preferences. The tech bar also displays the battery charge level.

The concept’s 7.25 m2 of glazing aids passenger visibility and extends in front down to the driver and front passenger’s feet. Described as glass designed for architecture, it is adapted to the concept for its thermal qualities and benefits from a multi-chrome treatment of metal oxides initially used by NASA for astronaut helmet visors.

The concept uses an exclusive body color that, like the glazing, interacts by tinting according to the external environment. The paint is applied in a single coat, meaning far less energy and material are consumed during its application.

The Inception is powered by a 100-kW·h battery and it has an extremely low energy consumption of 12.5 kW·h per 100 km providing a range of 497 mi. Two compact electric motors in front and back provide four-wheel drive and produce about 500 kW and 0-62 mph acceleration in under 3 s. The concept’s 800-V electrical powertrain network can add 19 mi of range in 1 min, or 93 mi in 5 min, and can be recharged wirelessly by induction.

 

Next-generation user experience

The Inception features a minimal cockpit dedicated to the driver and does without a traditional dashboard, crossbar, or bulkhead for a completely open view of the road.

Sustainable “molded textiles” are also used throughout the interior. Scraps of polyester fabric from the design center’s prototyping workshops and from suppliers are re-used to make load-bearing or trim parts. The seats are covered with fabric made from 100% recycled polyester, which extends onto the floor and features 3D patterns to act as a mat.

The new Hypersquare control system is said to offer an agile driving experience and a more intuitive i-Cockpit inspired by video games and enabled by the STLA SmartCockpit technology platform. It does away with a conventional steering wheel in favor of digital electric controls and steer-by-wire.

Its center is a tablet-like screen dedicated to the distribution of control information. Pictograms for control of functions like air conditioning, radio volume, and ADAS (advanced driving assistance systems) are displayed on its side panels to facilitate access to controls inside the circular recesses by only moving a thumb and without taking hands off the control.

STLA AutoDrive enables SAE Level 4 autonomous driving. When driving is delegated from human to car, the Hypersquare retracts and a large panoramic screen slides out from the floor to offer a different passenger experience.

Peugeot’s goal is to introduce the Hypersquare on a next-generation vehicle in its model range before the end of the decade.