The PSA Group - y'know; Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, Vauxhall, DS and, shortly, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge too - is working on a new vehicle platform dedicated to electric power.
Specially-designed for electric
Up to now, PSA's electric cars have been designed and built around its existing EMP2 platforms (such as the Peugeot e-208 and Opel Corsa-e, and the plug-in hybrid versions of the Peugeot 3008 and Citroen C5 Aircross) which can underpin cars powered by batteries, combustion engines, or a mix of both.
The new platform, eVMP, is - mostly - electric-only, and PSA says that it will dramatically increase the one-charge range of its electric cars.
Up to 100kWh battery capacity
By how much? Well, PSA is already talking about a one-charge range of as much as 650km from the top-spec models based on this platform, with a 100kWh battery pack. The smallest battery pack available will be a 60kWh unit, which will give a range of as much as 400km, depending on the model. PSA says that the structure of the platform is designed so that you get 50kWh for every 1.0 metres of wheelbase. Make the car bigger, and you can fit in more batteries. It's been designed for vehicles in the C and D segments, so from 308-sized hatchbacks up to 5008-sized SUVs.
Now, this platform is not, strictly, just for electric cars. PSA says that, in order to develop 'high performance solutions' it will be possible to install a petrol engine too, so as to create a hybrid or plug-in hybrid model. The difference between this eVMP and the old EMP2 platform is that the older design started out as a petrol/diesel platform and had electric added to it, whereas the new eVMP is effectively the other way around.
Significant cost reduction
"With this eVMP platform, Groupe PSA once again demonstrates its ability to innovate by developing for its customer's state-of-the-art and affordable technologies thanks to the frugality that has enabled a significant reduction in R&D and industrial investments. This global platform will make it possible to offer a range of vehicles that are perfectly respectful of the environment, meeting the changing expectations of our customers and guaranteeing driving pleasure and safety on board, values that are the basis of the Group's reputation today", said Nicolas Morel, Research and Development Director at Groupe PSA.