Hybrid and fuel to maintain sales?

If they were only electric, these models would not reach the standards expected and usually achieved by these brands in the relevant segments. Hybrid or thermal alternatives therefore still have their place.

It is enough to look at the case of the Peugeot 3008 alone to realize how much the transition from “flagship” models to electric is like climbing Everest for manufacturers. Indeed, how can we convert the best sellers in our list to electric cars, which are currently far from appealing to most Europeans? It is only difficult if the market share reaches 15% in the richest European countries. But the EU is not just France, the Netherlands or Norway. There are also other countries that still rely on hot or hybrid cars, due to the lack of enough purchasing power to get the €45,000 model. To avoid seeing a gaping hole in sales levels, manufacturers therefore have no choice: combine a new electric model with a cheaper petrol or electric version. This is what Fiat, Peugeot and Jeep have chosen to do, which are all part of the Stellantis group.

Only 3008 electric, very dangerous

The electric Peugeot 3008 starts at over €40,000, plus bonuses© Alex Krassovsky

Let’s take the Peugeot example again. The Lion brand is heavily dependent on Europe and 3008 represents a large share of registrations. In addition, 65% of the 3008’s sales were made in Europe until recently. Other markets for the compact SUV are Japan, Turkey, Israel and Egypt. We are far from countries that are fans of electric cars, especially in Japan where the share of “EV” is one of the lowest in the world. Due to the quality of its work, the 3008 sold more than 200,000 units per year in Europe. It’s hard to see at the moment how Peugeot can sell 200,000 e-3008s!

Then we quickly understand that renewing the 3008 in electric only would be a big risk for Peugeot. If the margin could be higher on these often better equipped models, the significant drop would be very difficult to compensate for. The strategy of “a lot of energy” which is therefore more generally used within the group: Peugeot 3008, Fiat 600, Jeep Avenger, all these models are more focused in terms of communication in their electric version. But they are available in hot or hybrid versions, and this is also the case for the Fiat 600 hybrid which starts at €24,900. That’s €11,000 less than the electric 600, not including the bonus.

From Avenger to Porsche Macan?

The new electric Porsche Macan in the deep end this summer© DR

Unlike Stellantis, Renault has taken the gamble of only launching its new Scenic in electric form. But in fact, the situation is the same with Peugeot, only the names change! Scenic is actually supported in C section by the inevitable Austral (warm and humid). We can add Arkana and Symbioz next. Obviously, in 2024 there is no question of existing only in compact SUVs with electric power. Only Tesla can achieve such a large number with its Model Y.

Porsche was originally supposed to sell its electric Macan alongside the current gasoline-powered model. But new European safety standards will further improve the first Macan of the name which will be retired in the summer. Then we will have the first example of a bestseller that completely converts to electricity. 2024 and especially 2025 will be full of lessons for Porsche, whose sales will be closely monitored.