Peugeot iOn becomes reality

Peugeot is starting the marketing campaign of its first new-generation 100% electric vehicle: the iOn. Initially the electric vehicle (EV) from the French make will be targeting mainly at public services and businesses, but also at private individuals. Peugeot is expecting that the production of the iOn will grow up to 50,000 units per year in 2015.

The Peugeot iOn offers a completely new driving experience of tranquility thanks to the car’s silent operation, the absence of vibrations from the power train and the simplicity of no gear changes.

In terms of design, with its 3.48 m long, 1.47 m wide and 1.6 high, the iOn is with no doubt a compact city run about. It has a curvaceous with a small domed bonnet extended by a large inclined front windscreen.

With the iOn Peugeot will be displaying a specific badge, a first in the Marque’s history. The bonnet of the iOn will be featuring the new pearlescent white/ chrome Lion that will become a special feature of zero emission vehicles. Besides the new badge the iOn will also have a “Full Electric” logo placed on the rear wings.

The iOn is powered by a Neodyme (Nd) synchronous permanent magnet electric motor, which has a a maximum power of 47 kW.h (64 bhp) and maximum torque of 180 Nm from 0 to 2000 rpm. Thanks to the inverter, the motor and the reduction gearing Peugeot’s EV is able to reach a maximum speed of 130 km/h.

As for the power supply, the iOn is feed by a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides a range of 150 km, which is sufficient to cover the majority of motorists’ daily trips, 90% of which are in fact less than 60 km.

In terms of recharging the lithium-ion batteries fitted on the iOn have no memory effect, which means that thy can be recharged, even partially, without the need for regular complete discharges. A full recharge is made in six hours using a single-phase 220 V household supply via a five metre cable fitted with a standard socket and a special plug for connection to the vehicle.

A quick recharge by means of a special recharging unit connected to a three phase 380 V electrical supply takes fifteen minutes to provide 50% battery capacity and 30 minutes for 80% capacity.

According to Peugeot the energy cost of the iOn will be fixed between €1.50 and €2.00 per 100 km.