French automaker Peugeot has been forced to delay the launch of the e-208 and e-2008 in Australia due to the “unprecedented environment” affecting the global automotive industry but has nevertheless promised the launch of an all-electric light commercial van.
With Australia suddenly being rejuvenated as a potential destination for electric vehicles thanks to the long-awaited ouster of the federal Coalition from government, automakers around the world are once again turning their attention to Australia.
Just last week Peugeot announced the launch of new all-electric versions of its 308 hatchback and 308 SW and promised that both vehicles were “under evaluation for the Australian market”.
However, Peugeot is now saying it will be pushing back the Australian launch of its e-208 electric hatch and e-2008 electric small SUV due to the significant pressures being inflicted on automakers the world over.
“Due to the unprecedented environment the global automotive industry is currently facing, there has been an unavoidable delay, until 2023, in the local arrival of Peugeot Australia’s first battery electric vehicles,” said Peugeot Australia in a statement emailed to The Driven.
“Our commitment to introduce electric vehicle offerings to the Australian market remains unaltered, with plans being finalised across electric passenger, SUV, and LCV product offerings.
This places the e-208 and e-2008 alongside both the 308 hatchback and 308 SW as possible 2023 launches as Peugeot continues to plan its EV offensive in Australia.
What we do know, however, is that Peugeot has confirmed the first all-electric vehicle it plans to bring to Australia will be a light commercial vehicle (LCV).
“In that vein,” Peugeot Australia’s statement continued, “we are delighted to confirm the first battery electric vehicle to launch in Australia will be an LCV with more information to be provided in due course.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.