Opinion – Eduardo Sodré: Peugeot will launch electric SUV in the Brazilian market

Peugeot will expand its line of electric models in Brazil. The next launch will be the e-2008, a compact utility already available on the European market.

The SUV will join the e-208 GT hatch and the e-Expert van. Sales will begin in the second half of the year, with a price close to R$300,000.

According to the European data sheet, the e-2008 is capable of running 320 kilometers on a full charge of its batteries. The power is equivalent to 136 hp.

With the launch, the French brand will have two models of the same name and different bodies coexisting in the market, something common in the national automotive industry.

While the electric will be imported, the 2008 produced in Porto Real (RJ) will receive a new style update to stay on the market.

The electric option will have a similar style to the current compact 208, with which it shares the platform. There is, however, greater size, straighter lines in the body and a front with prominent creases on the SUV’s hood.

The driver sees the 3D digital panel above the steering wheel, and not between the rim, as in conventional cars.

The e-2008 is 4.30 meters long and has a trunk capacity of 434 liters. Its size is similar to that of the Hyundai Creta.

In addition to the new electric, Peugeot will have other launches in 2022. The 208 hatch, for example, will get new versions soon, including options equipped with the 1.0-liter three-cylinder flex engine that is already in the Fiat line. Both brands are part of the Stellantis group.

The French company is experiencing a good moment in 2022, with sales growth of 131.7% in the comparison between the first quarter of 2022 and the same period of 2022.

However, volumes are still low: the automaker had 8,742 vehicles registered in Brazil between January and March, according to Anfavea (association of automakers). There is therefore room to grow.