The Paris Motor Show has a number of important plug-in models on show currently. With both production models and concepts, pure-EVs and PHEVs, the event in the French capital has plenty to pique the interest.
Have a look at ZM’s round-up of the EV stars at the Paris Motor Show 2018, split by EVs and PHEVs.
EVs
Audi e-tron
Launched at a special event last month, the Audi e-tron gets its show and European debut at Paris. The pure-electric premium SUV leads an EV push from Audi that will see 12 new electric models arrive by 2025.
The first – the e-tron – has a 95 kWh battery for a WLTP range of 249 miles, and ultra-rapid charging at up to 150 kW. A highly efficient energy recuperation system looks to add 30% to the range in normal driving conditions, and two motors produce a combined 265 kW – and temporary boost to 300 kW – for quick performance times.
DS 3 Crossback E-Tense
Announced before the Paris Motor Show, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense made its official debut at the event, with the premium crossover set to offer a WLTP range of 186 miles when it arrives next year.
That’s thanks to a 50 kWh battery, possible thanks to the 3 Crossback E-Tense being built on a new eCMP modular platform that’s also due to underpin the likes of the next generation Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa – both brands being PSA Group members.
PSA announced at Paris that between 2019 and 2021, the core models from the group’s brands – essentially city cars – will be produced on the CMP and e variant. This will see seven new EVs launched on eCMP by 2021. Further down the line, the PSA Group expects 100% of its range to be electrified by 2025.
Kia e-Niro
Kia’s new e-Niro has gone on display at the Paris Motor Show, boasting a 301 mile (WLTP) range from the 64 kWh model. Already available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid form, the crossover looks set to score highly in the mass-market EV sector, alongside its Hyundai Kia stablemate, the Kona Electric.
On sale before the end of 2018, the e-Niro will also be available with a 39.2 kWh battery pack for a range of up to 193 miles (WLTP) and 100 kW CCS charging is possible on both models.
Mercedes Benz EQC
Like the Audi e-tron above, the Mercedes EQC has already been ‘launched’ but this is the first time we have seen it at a motor show, and in Europe.
The lead-out vehicle for Mercedes Benz’s EQ electric sub-brand, the EQC has an 80 kWh battery offering a range of 280 miles (NEDC) on a single charge. When on the roads, it will compete with the likes of the e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, and Tesla Model X in the EV SUV stakes.
Peugeot e-Legend Concept
Peugeot revealed the e-Legend Concept before the Paris Motor Show came along, but that’s no excuse not to include it here. The electric concept is fantastic to look at, drawing on styling inspiration from Peugeot’s 504 Coupe.
Featuring two autonomous driving modes, and two manual modes, the e-Legend Concept has a 100 kWh battery, four-wheel drive, 800 Nm of torque, and 340 kW – all good for a sub-4 second 0-62mph time, and a range of around 375 miles.
Renault K-ZE
Renault has revealed the K-ZE compact all-electric crossover at its home event, with a range of 155 miles (NEDC) on a single charge. Initially only available in China from next year, Renault will roll the crossover citycar out to other global markets at a later date.
Renault has also revealed its electrification plans, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Clio, Megane, and Captur all coming to Europe soon. As part of the company’s scheduled 2020 product refresh, the three core models will likely wear ‘e-Tech’ badges, though no details of technology or range are available yet, though a new dedicated hybrid powertrain has been developed.
Renault EZ-Ultimo
Renault has brought along a high-tech concept to the Paris Motor Show in the shape of the EZ-Ultimo. A premium ride-hailing model that looks to continue the comfort of a top hotel or first-class flight, the ‘individual mobile lounge’ is hits the three buzz-words for concepts currently – autonomous, electric, and connected.
With no need to drive, occupants can relax in armchairs, and use the Renault as an on-demand transportation service. With a range of more than 300 miles on a charge, the EZ-Ultimo is almost six meters long and seats up to three.
Smart forease
As a 20th birthday present to itself, Smart has launched a new concept at the Paris Motor Show in the shape of the forease. Based on a fortwo, the concept is designed to embody ‘urban driving in a fun and refreshing way’.
As with the conventionally styled fortwo, the forease uses an electric powertrain and is similar to – but more stylish than – the EQ citycar to the base of the A-pillars. From there up, the raked back windscreen, lack of roof, and added roll-hoops give the forease a distinct look.
PHEVs
BMW 3 Series
One of the most important cars of the year is the latest iteration of the famous compact executive saloon from BMW. The 3 Series has long been one of the leading models in its class, and the new model has a suite of features intended to keep it there.
At launch there will be a choice of choice of two engines – a diesel 320d and petrol 330i. These will certainly be added to though, with both more- and less-powerful engines available, plus the arrival of not one but two iPerformance PHEV models. One will have a 30 mile range, and the other a 50 mile range.
Styling is certainly evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but that was to be expected to keep buyers happy. Likewise, the ride and handling are likely to be amongst the best in the automotive market full stop, with a new platform allowing for improved aerodynamics, a wider front and rear track, and longer wheelbase.
Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid
Though technically a concept, the Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid is due to arrive in production form by 2020. The PHEV will cover more than 30 miles on a single charge and produce less than 50 g/km CO2 according to expected test figures.
Producing more than 220hp and fitted with i-booster energy recovery technology, the C5 Aircross Hybrid will lead Citroen’s plug-in push over the next few years.
Peugeot 508 SW
Less exciting than the e-Legend Concept (above) the 508 SW does benefit from the certainty that it will actually go into production, and will also be available as a PHEV.
The stylish estate will come with Peugeot’s ‘Hybrid’ powertrain, which uses an 11.8 kWh battery for a range of 30 miles on a single charge – all powered by a 180hp petrol engine and 80 kW electric motor.
Skoda Vision RS
Skoda’s Vision RS concept serves two purposes. Firstly, it previews what the replacement for the current Rapid range will look like. Secondly – and more importantly – it showcases Skoda’s plug-in powertrain.
The Vision RS is a hot-hatch, but one that uses a 150 hp 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine combined with a 75 kW electric motor. This is good for a sprint time of 7.1 seconds 0-62mph, but also enables an electric driving range of 46 miles on a single charge and CO2 emissions of just 33 g/km, thanks to a 13 kWh battery.
