Tesla has long been the leader in electric vehicles (EVs). However, a surprising new contender has emerged in the form of the venerable French carmaker Peugeot.

The recently launched Peugeot E-3008 boasts an impressive WLTP range of 435 miles. This surpasses the latest Tesla Model S, which offers only 405 miles, and even the upcoming Project Highland Tesla Model 3, which will provide 420 miles of range.

Peugeot E-3008 specifications

The Peugeot E-3008, unveiled on September 12 in Sochaux, France, marks an important milestone for Stellantis. It represents the company’s first foray into vehicle electrification.

Built on the new STLA Medium platform, the E-3008 offers three drivetrain options.

The first option is a front-wheel drive version with a 210 kW (210 bhp) motor and 73 kWh (net) battery. The second option is a Dual Motor all-wheel-drive version with the same battery capacity but 240 kW (320 bhp). The final option is a front-wheel-drive Long Range option with a 170 kW (230 bhp) motor and a 98 kWh (net) battery.

While the 73 kWh models are a significant improvement compared to previous Stellantis EVs, it’s the Long Range 98 kWh variant that truly stands out. This version boasts an unrivaled WLTP range of 435 miles.

The E-3008 has a 21-inch wraparound Panoramic i-Cockpit, offering improved dashboard and infotainment functionality.

In addition, there’s ample cargo space in the rear. 520 liters are available with the rear seats folded up, and 1,482 liters are available with the rear seats folded down.

The main downside of the E-3008 is that it’s not particularly fast for an EV. According to Forbes, the Dual Motor version takes 6.4 seconds to reach 62 mph, and the other two options take closer to 9 seconds. In comparison, the competitively priced MG4 XPOWER achieves this speed in just 3.8 seconds.

How Peugeot’s new EV trounces Tesla

The Peugeot’s affordable price is why its 435-mile range is so significant. We have come to expect this kind of range from cars that cost around £100,000 ($124,000) or more.

While no specific details were given about the price of the E-3008, a representative from Stellantis hinted that the 98 kWh version could be available for approximately £45,000 ($56,000). This is 12% cheaper than the Tesla Model 3 Long Range and 22% cheaper than the Model Y Long Range in the UK.

It’s a significant milestone in the EV market when a mid-range brand offers a range of 435 miles. It suggests that it won’t be long before EVs with lower range and cost become just as affordable as their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.

The significance of the Peugeot EV in North America

Although Peugeot hasn’t sold cars in the US for more than 30 years, the launch of the E-3008 is significant for Americans as well.

Peugeot is part of Stellantis, which also owns well-known American brands like Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge. Although Peugeot’s previous plans to reintroduce itself as a brand in the US have diminished, other European brands under Stellantis (including Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Maserati) are available.

As mentioned earlier, the E-3008 is based on the STLA Medium platform. The STLA Medium platform will be accessible to most of the aforementioned brands.

In addition, Stellantis has multiple factories in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Consequently, affordable long-range EVs based on the STLA Medium platform will likely be produced for the North American market soon.

One of the common criticisms made by EV skeptics is that electric cars do not have sufficient range compared to ICE cars. However, the 435-mile range of the Peugeot E-3008 demonstrates that this argument no longer holds true.

The Peugeot E-3008 will be released for sale in February 2024.

Image Source: Pusholder, https://shorturl.at/bEV19