Peugeot, the pioneer and world’s first manufacturer of electric
vehicles, will launch its new zero emissions electric car, the ion, at
the end of 2010. The Peugeot ion will premier at the Frankfurt Motor
Show this month and boasts a 130km operating range, thanks to the use of
lithium-ion batteries. Illustrating Peugeot’s commitment to delivering
multiple solutions to urban mobility, the ion reduces environmental
footprint and dependence on fossil fuels.
With the 106 produced between 1995 and 2003 in electric guise, Peugeot
earned its title as the pioneer in electric vehicles and remains to this
day the manufacturer having sold the most “zero-emissions” cars in the
world. Supported by this history, the Lion Brand intends to continue as
a major player in the market of electric vehicles. Therefore, from the
end of 2010, Peugeot will be amongst the first manufacturers to launch a
new all-electric vehicle in Europe: the ion.
With four doors and four seats, a length of 3.48m and a turning circle
of 4.50m, the all-electric Peugeot ion will develop a maximum power
output of 47 kW (64 bhp) and a torque of 180 Nm, thus offering reliable
levels of performance and a maximum speed of 130 km/h.
Equipped with a comfortable operating range of 130km, the European cycle
standard, the lithium-ion car batteries are rechargeable in six hours
using a conventional 220 V socket or recharged to 80% capacity within
thirty minutes, thanks to a fast charging system. These specifications
allow this “zero-emission” city car to offer a good level of
versatility, comparable in performance and comfort to a small
conventional combustion engine vehicle.
Its compact size, safety standards and simple operation are matched to
innovative services, to offer peace of mind motoring. A special
communication unit authorises an emergency call system to locate the
vehicle at the time of an accident and triggers the dispatch of suitable
emergency services. The same communication unit takes note of data in
terms of battery status, distance covered, distance-to-travel before
maintenance is due, etc., providing welcome assistance in the management
of fleet vehicles.
From launch, this electric vehicle, developed in cooperation with
Mitsubishi Motor Company (MMC), is aimed at both retail and fleet
customers (authorities, local organisations and large companies, etc.)
due its specifications which are particularly suited for use in an urban
environment.
The arrival of ion in 2010 will further reinforce Peugeot’s position as
European Sales Leader of Low Emission Vehicles, but is in no way the
only Peugeot solution to reducing CO2 emissions. The new 3008 Crossover,
due for launch in Ireland this October, will be the world’s first
vehicle to be equipped with Diesel Hybrid technology. The 3008 HYbrid4
will arrive in spring 2011, to offer 147kW / 200bhp and 4-wheel drive
with CO2 emissions reduced to 99g/km.