Electric Peugeot 208 Due Next Year With Minimal Design Changes

The Peugeot 208 is in for a major upgrade in 2019 when, for the first time ever, it will receive an electric version.

The zero-emission derivative will be underpinned by the e-CMP architecture, a modified version of the CMP, also called EMP1, which will be the foundation stone for Citroen’s upcoming EV, also due next year. From a visual standpoint, the Peugeot 208 EV will look pretty much like the ICE-powered versions of the supermini.

In fact, only a few exterior modifications will be made, including the addition of a flat front grille, reports Autocar, quoting the company’s design chief Gilles Vidal. Other changes will include custom sub-menus for the infotainment system and instrument cluster.

Also Read: New BMW 3-Series, Mercedes B-Class, Peugeot 208 And Others Might Show Up In Paris

“We do not need to shout about the fact that this car is the electric version [of the next 208], said Vidal. “The [EV] powertrain will complement the 208 range, rather than become its own version.”

In other words, Peugeot won’t follow in the footsteps of Volkswagen with an electric sub-brand, “for now”, according to Vidal. “For us, the [e-CMP] platform means the cars can take several powertrains as part of our plan”, he added, referring to the fact that all future Peugeots will gain electric versions by mid-2020.

Peugeot is developing the next-gen 2008 alongside the 208. The subcompact crossover is also expected in 2019, with the same PSA-Dongfeng-made platform. Just like the 208, the 2008 will also spawn an electric derivative, thus raising the bar in the segment for other vehicles such as the Nissan Juke and Opel Mokka X.

Note: Current Peugeot 208 pictured