Peugeot to become electric-only brand in Europe by 2030, CEO says

PARIS -- Every new Peugeot model launched in Europe by 2030 will be full-electric only, CEO Linda Jackson says, as the Stellantis brand prepares for the transition away from internal combustion engines.

There will continue to be internal-combustion based models in Peugeot's lineup for international buyers, Jackson added. 

"As we move on to the new [Stellantis] platforms, STLA Small, Medium, Large, by 2030 in Europe all of our models will be electric," Jackson told Automotive News Europe. "But I still have to make sure I maintain internal-combustion offerings for my international customers."

Peugeot's move would come five years ahead of the EU's proposal to mandate only zero-emissions vehicles in 2035. A number of automakers have already announced they will be all-electric in Europe well ahead of that date.

Other Stellantis brands have previously given dates when they plan to be all-electric -- meaning they will launch only full-electric models -- including DS (2026), Alfa Romeo (2027) and Opel/Vauxhall (2028).

CEO Carlos Tavares has said Stellantis is targeting more than 70 percent of sales in Europe and more than 40 percent in the U.S. to be low-emissions vehicles, either battery or hybrid electric, by 2030.

At some point mid-decade, Stellantis will move all models onto four EV-focused platforms, STLA Small, Medium, Large and Frame (trucks). Those platforms are designed around full-electric drivetrains but will still have the option of internal-combustion drivertrains for markets or segments where the speed of transition is slower.

Peugeot's current lineup is 70 percent electrified, meaning either full-electric or plug-in hybrid. That includes its most popular models, the 2008 small SUV and 208 small car (electric option) and the 3008 compact SUV and 308 compact car (plug-in hybrid, with a full-electric 308 due in 2023), as well as all commercial and passenger vans (electric option). Only the soon-to-be discontinued 108 minicar and 5008 midsize SUV are not electrified.

By 2024, the entire lineup will be electrified, Jackson said. The next scheduled major launch is the next-generation 3008, which will be built in full-electric form at Stellantis' factory in Sochaux, eastern France. Peugeot has not revealed details of other powertrain options.

She said about 20 percent of 208 sales were full electric, a figure higher than initial projections of 10 to 15 percent. Sales for the e-2008 are slightly lower, which reflects that it is the main vehicle for many buyers, she added.

"The e-2008 is slightly less than the e-208, because it tends to be a first car, so customers are often looking to be able to travel long distances," Jackson said. "They are trying to decide if an electric car is appropriate for them."