On the 30th of January, Peugeot announced its plans to enhance sustainability in the automotive industry through the ‘E-Lion Project’ during the online event ‘E-Lion Day 2024’. The company shared its achievements and revealed its ambitions to become a leading brand in the sustainable mobility sector within the electric vehicle market.

The ‘E-Lion Project’, first introduced during ‘E-Lion Day 2023’, is Peugeot’s comprehensive electrification strategy aimed at realizing sustainable mobility. Specifically, it includes five key elements: ▲ the Stellantis STLA platform-based product and service ecosystem ▲ a customer experience that cares for all aspects of vehicle operation ▲ plans to launch a fully electric lineup by the end of 2024 ▲ efficiency that delivers optimal performance with minimal energy use ▲ a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2038, thereby evolving into a sustainable mobility enterprise.

Peugeot aims to emerge as a leading mobility brand in the European electric vehicle market by 2025, offering the most diverse electric vehicle lineup among mainstream European brands. Additionally, the brand is implementing various initiatives to make it easier for customers to participate in carbon-neutral mobility.

This year, Peugeot is set to expand its all-electric lineup by introducing the ‘E-408’ and ‘E-5008 SUV’. This will bring its total number of electric vehicle models to 12, with 9 passenger and 3 light commercial vehicles, solidifying its position as the brand with the most electric vehicle options among European mass-market brands. Notably, Peugeot leads the market in environmentally-friendly commercial vehicles, with the new Peugeot E-208 and E-2008 SUV leading the B-segment electric vehicle market in Europe last year.

In particular, Peugeot is committed to providing customers with the longest driving ranges possible. The newly unveiled ‘Peugeot E-3008 SUV’ can travel up to a maximum of 700 km on a single charge (according to internal Stellantis evaluation standards), setting new benchmarks in its class. The new Peugeot E-208 offers an urban driving range of up to 566 km based on the European World Standard Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), alleviating concerns about charging needs.

Among the core aspects of the E-Lion Project is the plan to adopt ‘ChatGPT’ technology to enhance customer experience. This technology will be integrated into Peugeot’s entire lineup of passenger and commercial vehicles, linking with the ‘OK Peugeot voice assistant’ to respond to drivers’ queries and requests. Vehicles equipped with ChatGPT technology will be pilot launched in five markets, with a broader rollout set to commence in the second half of this year.

Additionally, Peugeot continues its unique efforts to enhance accessibility to electric vehicles. To help customers who are hesitant about purchasing the latest electric cars, Peugeot offers the most comprehensive warranty benefits among European automotive brands. Last year, they introduced the ‘Peugeot Allure Care’ program specifically for the new E-3008 SUV, supporting electric motors, chargers, powertrains, and major electrical/machinery components for up to 8 years or 160,000 km.

Alongside this, Peugeot has developed various purchasing options, such as the ‘Peugeot Customized Lease’ program, which sets installment amounts based on driving distance across its 100% electric vehicle lineup. The brand also emphasizes that through Stellantis’ ‘Free2Move Charge’, Peugeot electric vehicle customers can access more than 600,000 charging facilities across Europe, including over 77,000 fast chargers, benefiting from the continent’s most extensive charging network.

As part of Stellantis Group’s ‘4R’ strategy, Peugeot also aims to establish a holistic circular economy ecosystem. Stellantis is promoting circular economy businesses based on the 4R strategy: Reman, Repair, Reuse, and Recycle. Peugeot intends to use fewer, more sustainable materials in vehicle manufacturing, extend the lifespan of parts, and recycle them after they reach the end of their lifecycle. For instance, the new Peugeot E-3008 SUV is made up of 23% recycled materials, including steel and polymers.

Furthermore, Peugeot announced its partnership with ‘BORN FREE’ to contribute to educational activities that affect the environment. BORN FREE is a UK charity that advocates for the protection of wildlife and wild spaces, encouraging community involvement and education in various countries, including Kenya. This marks Peugeot’s second partnership in the education field, following last year’s collaboration with the French science and education association ‘UNDER THE POLE’, where it provided Peugeot Boxer vehicles for field research and education aimed at raising awareness about marine conservation.

Linda Jackson, CEO of Peugeot, explained, “The E-Lion Project encapsulates Peugeot’s commitment to enhancing customer accessibility to sustainable mobility using all our technical know-how and creativity.” She added, “We consider this project highly significant and plan to continue forging our path as a leading company in the European electric vehicle market.”

Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr