Welcome back to EV News Daily, and special bonus edition of the podcast looking at some interesting EV launches at the Paris Motor Show 2024.
PEUGEOT E-408 SHOWCASEED IN PARIS (NOT ANOTHER SUV!)
The PEUGEOT E-408 was revealed in Paris with a sporty fastback shape, standing 1.48 meters tall to enhance aerodynamics. Built on the E-EMP2 platform, it boasts a wheelbase of 2,787 mm, allowing the battery to be placed under the floor, which maximizes interior space and lowers the center of gravity for better handling.
Inside, the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit includes a compact steering wheel and a customizable 10-inch (25.4 cm) 3D digital display for an enhanced driving experience.
The vehicle is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that delivers 157 kW (210 hp) and 345 Nm of torque, produced in Trémery, France.
Inside, ambient LED lighting with eight color options and premium materials like Alcantara and aluminum. Acoustic comfort is enhanced with thicker windows measuring 3.85 mm.
The vehicle’s battery has a usable capacity of 58 kWh, using NMC 811 technology, which consists of 80% Nickel, 10% Manganese, and 10% Cobalt, providing a range of 453 km in the WLTP combined cycle. The regenerative braking system further enhances efficiency, allowing drivers to select from NORMAL, SPORT, or ECO modes.
Standard features include a heat pump and heated steering wheel and seats to help save on battery use. The E-408 supports AC charging with an 11 kW three-phase charger and DC fast charging up to 100 kW, enabling a charge from 20% to 80% in just over 30 minutes, adding 100 km of range in approximately 10 minutes. Advanced driver aids include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings with trajectory correction, driver attention alerts, night vision, and long-range blind spot monitoring up to 75 meters.
CITROËN DEBUTS C5 AIRCROSS CONCEPT AND UPDATES MODELS
At the Paris Motor Show, Citroën, part of Stellantis, introduced the C5 Aircross as a concept vehicle with plans for an all-electric version. The showcase included updates to the ë-C4 and ë-C4 X models and a preview of the next-gen Ami.
The vehicle measures 4.65 meters (about 15.25 feet) in length, designed for optimal interior space with compact overhangs and a steep rear. Stellantis emphasizes that the design reflects the brand’s new identity while achieving a contemporary look.
Built on the STLA Medium platform, the C5 Aircross Concept may offer a high-end version with a 97 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 700 kilometers (approximately 435 miles). More affordable options might include 73- or 82-kWh batteries. Its 400-volt system may lead to longer charging times, with the 97 kWh battery supporting charging speeds of up to 160 kW.
The ë-C4 and ë-C4 X models received a facelift featuring the new design language, with updated front ends and branding. Citroën enhanced the rear design of the C4 for better aesthetics, while the C4 X retains its attractive fastback shape. The powertrain remains the same, using a 100-kW electric motor with a 50-kWh battery, offering ranges of 355 kilometers (about 220 miles) for the ë-C4 and 360 kilometers (around 224 miles) for the ë-C4 X. An optional 115-kW motor combined with a 54-kWh battery increases the ranges to 415 kilometers (approximately 258 miles) and 425 kilometers (about 264 miles), respectively.
PARIS UPDATE FOR CITROËN’S AMI MICROCAR
Citroën has introduced a refreshed version of its Ami microcar, marking its fourth anniversary, with the unveiling taking place at the Paris motor show. The redesign features a new front that pays tribute to the classic 2CV, offering a more polished look.
The updated Ami now includes vent-like grooves on its redesigned wings, black accents surrounding the headlights, and a smile-shaped area that displays Citroën’s latest logo. The corners are sharper, resembling Lego blocks, and new graphics have been added to the side panels and wheel trims to appeal to a younger demographic.
Since its debut four years ago, Citroën has sold around 65,000 Ami units worldwide, calling it “a real social phenomenon.” The new model retains a range of 45 miles (72 kilometers) and a top speed of 28 mph (45 kph), with a maximum charging capability of 3.6 kW. It is anticipated to launch in the UK early next year, with an expected price of approximately £8,000, which might be half the price of the Leapmotor T03, but it’s a lot less than half the car.
https://evne.ws/403CNCz
NEW SPIAGGINA EV LAUNCHES FOR OPEN-AIR DRIVING
Microlino has unveiled its Spiaggina electric vehicle (EV) at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. This vehicle is designed with an open-air structure and retro aesthetics, priced at €24,990 (around $27,300). It features a fabric roof and no side windows, utilizing vegan leather to enhance moisture resistance.
Powered by a 10.5 kWh battery, the Spiaggina delivers an electric motor with 17 horsepower (12.5 kW / 17 PS). This setup provides a range of up to 110 miles (177 kilometers) on a single charge, with a top speed of 56 mph (90 km/h).
Although primarily aimed at the European market, Microlino has hinted at possible plans for U.S. availability, with first deliveries anticipated in spring 2025.
https://evne.ws/4dN50B3
LEAPMOTOR LAUNCH B10 SUV IN EUROPE
Also in Paris this week Chinese car manufacturer Leapmotor, in partnership with Stellantis, has revealed plans to enter the European market with a new mid-size SUV named the B10. This vehicle is scheduled to debut in the UK next year. The B10 is a smaller variant of the Model Y-fighter C10.
The prototype of the B10 was displayed at an event, showing it to be about 85% ready for production, though it did not have an interior. Specifics about battery capacity and driving range have yet to be announced. It is expected that the B10 will feature the same 69.9 kWh battery as the C10, which offers a range of approximately 261 miles (420 kilometers) and a power output of 215 horsepower. This positions it against competitors like the MINI Aceman and Fiat 600E, which provide ranges of 252 miles (405 kilometers) and 254 miles (409 kilometers), respectively. The B10 is anticipated to support charging at 84 kW, similar to the C10.
The B10 will also compete with the Kia EV3 and is designed on Leapmotor’s 3.5 Architecture. it is projected to be around £30,000.
That might not be cheap, but as the UK government classes a luxury car these days as valued 40k or above, I guess 30k is the new budget family price range.
Additionally, Leapmotor showcased the C16 in Paris, a three-row variant of the C10 that can seat up to six passengers in a 2+2+2 configuration. The C16 is equipped with an 800V silicon carbide powertrain, enhancing vehicle efficiency and allowing for fast charging at up to 180 kW, which can charge the battery from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes.
https://evne.ws/4856jdn
BYD INTRODUCES SEALION 7 TO RIVAL TESLA MODEL Y
At the Paris Motor Show, BYD celebrated its two-year presence in Europe by introducing the Sealion 7, its eighth new model and fifth for the UK market. This mid-size, all-electric SUV aims to compete with leading models like the Tesla Model Y.
The initial versions set to launch in the UK will likely be premium dual-motor variants that include all-wheel drive. Although BYD has not revealed the exact power output, it announced that the Sealion 7 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 4.5 seconds.
The Sealion 7 features BYD’s blade battery technology, using large lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells that are integrated into the battery pack. The cell-to-body (CTB) design makes the battery part of the vehicle’s structure, enhancing safety and rigidity. While exact figures for energy density and range are not available, BYD announced that the vehicle can handle charging capacities of up to 230 kW and has an energy content of up to 91.3 kWh.
I would expect to achieve a driving range of over 340 miles (about 547 kilometers).
The Sealion 7 is projected to be the first vehicle manufactured at BYD’s new factory in Hungary, set to open by late 2025. This facility is part of BYD’s strategy to address tariffs imposed by the European Union on Chinese imports.
Sales in the UK are anticipated to begin at the end of October, with first deliveries expected in late 2024.
The SUV is built on BYD’s enhanced e-Platform 3.0 Evo, which includes a new 12-in-1 electric drive system, improving performance over the previous 8-in-1 system.
Michael Shu, BYD’s European Managing Director, stated that the Sealion 7 meets the demand for high-performance SUVs. He mentioned, “Besides its Blade Battery, cell-to-body construction and our LFP battery chemistry, it is equipped with the world’s highest-speed electric motor in mass production, with a speed of 23,000 rpm and 400 revolutions every single second. We are the only company to achieve such a record.”
https://evne.ws/485M9je
SKYWELL UNVEILS GLOBAL ELECTRIC HATCHBACK ‘Q’
Skywell, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has launched its hatchback model, the ‘Q’, at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. This event marks the company’s first entry into the European automotive market. The Skywell Q offers a comprehensive warranty and features such as a large ‘Skyroof’, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, and a 360-degree panoramic parking camera.
The hatchback will provide two battery options, with the larger one offering a range of over 300 miles (approximately 483 kilometers) and a charging time of around 20 minutes to go from 10% to 80% at 25°C. It is powered by a 150 kW motor, enabling it to reach 62 mph (100 kph) in just 3.9 seconds, with front-wheel drive. The dimensions of the vehicle are 4,297 mm in length, 1,836 mm in width, and 1,536 mm in height, placing it in the popular ‘Class C’ family car category. Its design features a sleek front LED lightbar and 18-inch alloy wheels, inspired by the ‘Skyhome’ concept.
Notable interior features include the large Skyroof, composite fiber paneling, 128-color ambient lighting, and orange accents. The infotainment system, leveraging Skywell’s expertise in consumer electronics, includes a premium Metz sound system designed in Germany with eight speakers, wireless smartphone connectivity, and touchscreen displays for rear passengers. Other conveniences include wireless phone charging and a 220V socket for larger electronics.
For safety and comfort, the Q is equipped with an extensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) package, which features Intelligent Cruise Assist (ICA), Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA). The Skywell Q is expected to be competitively priced, akin to the upcoming BE11 model, with specific pricing for the UK to be announced closer to its launch planned for the third quarter of 2025. It will also come with a robust warranty of 7 years or 100,000 miles, alongside an additional 8-year or 155,000-mile warranty for the battery.