Peugeot has opened orders for its E-308 electric hatch, priced from £40,050.

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It’s the brand’s first all-electric C-segment vehicle and will rival the Volkswagen ID.3 among others, while the E-308 SW estate due in the coming months will bring a rival to the MG5 EV.

Both are built on the Stellantis group EMP2 architecture, also used for the closely related Vauxhall Astra Electric, and join the existing Peugeot 308 plug-in hybrid models, further cementing the brand’s plan to offer all its vehicles with an electrified variant by 2025. Other new arrivals include the E-3008 electric SUV revealed this month.

The E-308 is powered by a 156hp electric motor and a 54kWh battery, giving a WLTP range of up to 257 miles. A heat pump comes as standard to enhance efficiency and comfort.

Three driving modes are on offer – Eco, Normal and Sport – while a ‘Brake’ mode optimises energy recovery through greater regenerative braking. An onboard three-phase 11kW charger comes as standard, enabling a full charge in seven hours 20 minutes from a 7.4kW home wallbox or five hours 46 minutes from a 22kW charger. Using a 100kW DC rapid charger, a 20-80% charge takes 28 minutes.

The E-308 is available with a choice of three trim levels from launch: Allure, GT and the limited-run First Edition.

Allure variants come with tinted rear windows, 18-inch alloy wheels and a chrome grille with a high-gloss black rear panel with chrome trim. Onboard technologies include heated front seats and steering wheel, reversing camera, 3D Connected Navigation and natural voice recognition, plus safety technology such as adaptive cruise control.

GT models are priced from £42,250 and gain full Matrix LED technology headlights with 3D LED taillights, a GT-specific grille pattern, wider side sills, and the Peugeot shield on the front wings. Interior updates include Alcantara seats with coloured stitching, embossed aluminium trim on the dashboard and door panels, eight-colour ambient lighting and aluminium door sills and pedals. GT models also add front parking sensors and a 3D digital instrument cluster.

First Edition models have a £42,080 price tag and come with bespoke seats using cloth, leather effect and Alcantara materials, Peugeot embossing and a choice of three exclusive exterior colours.

All models get the latest-generation Peugeot i-Cockpit interior setup, already seen in the existing petrol, diesel and PHEV options and including a 10-inch central touchscreen with i-Connect Advanced infotainment and customisable i-Toggles. For the E-308, this includes a dedicated screen within the infotainment system to display information and statistics from the electric powertrain. Drivers can also use the MyPeugeot app to view the battery charge status, start charging remotely, schedule a charging session and programme the pre-conditioning system.

Order books for the E-308 SW begin later in 2023.