The 2025 Peugeot E-308 has been unveiled for Australia, but it will initially be available only through a restricted ‘customer evaluation program.’ This limited-release program includes just 14 units, and no additional orders are expected for at least the next 12 months. This follows Peugeot's decision to scale back its electric vehicle (EV) offerings and withdraw plug-in hybrid models from the Australian market in September.
The 14 buyers, who will be selected starting Friday, November 8, 2024, will be chosen from a pool of registered customers who have expressed interest in the E-308. Priority will be given to those already on Peugeot’s interest list. The electric hatchback is priced at $65,990 drive-away, making it more expensive than the Tesla Model 3, one of the most popular EVs in Australia.
This ‘Peugeot Preview Program’ resembles the trial program Toyota used for its Tundra pick-up truck in Australia, where selected participants were given access to the vehicle under strict terms. However, Peugeot's approach focuses more on gauging customer interest for the E-308, which has a single variant available.
Peugeot Australia's shift toward mild-hybrid powertrains by the end of 2024 has placed a temporary hold on the broader release of its electric models, such as the E-208 and E-308 hatchbacks. The E-3008 electric SUV has also been delayed until 2025. The E-308’s standard features are similar to the petrol-powered 308 GT Premium hatchback, though it swaps the 10-speaker Focal premium audio system for a six-speaker unbranded system and sports a unique 18-inch alloy wheel design.
Built on the EMP2 platform shared with combustion-engine 308 models, the E-308 features a 115kW/270Nm electric motor mounted on the front axle and a 54kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack. It offers a WLTP-rated driving range of 400 kilometers and supports 100kW DC fast charging. Compared to its competitors, the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive starts at $54,900 with a 513-kilometer range, while the MG 4 Long Range 77 costs $50,990 and provides a 590-kilometer range.
Servicing options for the E-308 include post-paid capped-price plans or pre-paid service packs. The post-paid option ranges from $309 to $495 per service, totaling $1867 over five years. The pre-paid plans are priced at $700 for three years, $1000 for four years, and $1220 for five years, offering flexibility for buyers. While the E-308’s future in Australia remains uncertain, its introduction underlines Peugeot’s cautious approach to expanding its EV lineup in the market.