Peugeot and Citroen are introducing a raft of efficiency improvements that will boost the driving range of its biggest-selling models. The Peugeot e-208, e-2008 and Citroen ë-C4 will all be able to go up to 25 miles further thanks to a range of new measures.
In a product information update from Stellantis (the company that owns Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall and Fiat), the package of improvements includes a new heat pump coupled with a humidity sensor that is integrated at the top of the windscreen. The information communicated by the sensor makes it possible to control the air recirculation in the passenger compartment more accurately and protect the amount of energy contained in the battery when heating the car’s interior.
Stellantis claims that the benefits of the heat pump will be particularly noticeable at low outside temperatures. Test figures suggest that when the outside temperature is around zero degrees, the new models fitted with the heat pump can add up to 25 miles more than the current ones. The battery pack size on all new models will remain unchanged at 50kWh.
All models will also benefit from revised gearing. Although electric cars don’t have a traditional gearbox, there is a single gear that links the motor to the wheels. By changing the ratio of this, Stellantis has been able to reduce the amount of power the motor needs at higher speeds. The brand has yet to confirm performance figures, but it is likely that the 0-62mph time may be longer due to the new gearing.
Finally, all models equipped with 16 and 17-inch wheels will be fitted with A+ rated tyres. These provide greater efficiency thanks to lower rolling resistance.
In terms of range improvement, Stellantis has confirmed that the Peugeot e-208 and e-2008 will have new WLTP ranges of 225 and 214 miles respectively. That’s an increase of 14 miles for the e-208 and 15 miles for the e-2008.
The updates will be applied to all models that sit on the Stellantis platform (eCMP) and equipped with a 50kWh battery. This means that in addition to the Peugeot and Citroen models already confirmed, the Vauxhall Corsa-e and Mokka-e, along with the DS3 Crossback E-Tense are also likely benefit from the updates.