Peugeot has released more details of how it intends to sell its electric car, the iON, in the UK.
Available as the Citroen C-Zero and Mitsubishi i-MiEV too, Peugeot’s version of the small electric car will go on sale here by the end of the year. Due to its high cost (its Mitsubishi equivalent costs £23,990 even after a £5,000 incentive is included), the French carmaker is planning to contract hire the iON rather than retail it, to make it easier for consumers to feel the benefit of its low running costs rather than be faced with paying high purchase costs.
In the UK, the iON will be available on an ‘all-inclusive’ mobility offer consisting of a four year contract. On a four year, 40,000 mile contract hire agreement, the monthly payment will be £415 excluding VAT, and include the lease of the battery pack too. Included in the contract will be full warranty cover, full servicing and full maintenance for the four years and 40,000 miles while customers will also benefit from Peugeot Connect Services, available April 2011. Peugeot Connect Services will allow customers to swap their electric car for an agreed period and make use of other, conventionally-fuelled vehicles; ideal when longer trips are necessary.
It is expected that the iON mainly appeal to local government, local authorities and public services as well as companies active in the transport and energy sectors. However, Peugeot will still target private individuals as well.
The iON has a potential range of 93 miles, a top speed of 81mph with a maximum torque of 180Nm and maximum power of 47kW . It takes six hours to fully recharge the battery using a traditional household socket. A quick charge using a special charging unit provides a 50 per cent charge in only fifteen minutes, or 80 per cent in thirty minutes. The carmaker expects that this charge time requirement will cause little problem for its customers, as cars are typically at a standstill for up to 90 per cent of their time.
With average running costs estimated at £2.50 per 120 miles, the iON will offer exceptionally low use costs . If recharged overnight or during “off-peak hours” recharging costs can be reduced further and help optimise the use of available power produced by the electricity supply companies. With no petrol or diesel costs – the iON promises a potential saving of £1515 per year. Except from the London Congestion Charge too, the iON could save you as much as £1696 a year in the cost of travelling through the city. If you park in boroughs such as the City of Westminster, you can save as much as £1939 per year, thanks to free parking available to electric cars.
