PSA, Dongfeng to Co-Develop New EV Platform for 2019

PARIS – French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroen launches plans to develop a new car platform and extend the reach of an existing one allowing greater electrification of its range.

The common modular platform (CMP), which was developed in partnership with Chinese automaker Dongfeng, is focused on compact city cars, core sedans and compact SUVs.

The all-electric e-CMP architecture, co-financed by PSA and Dongfeng, will allow the two automakers to offer a new generation of multipurpose electric vehicles with a claimed driving range of up to 280 miles (450 km) and fast-charging solutions providing up to 7 miles (12 km) of range per minute of charging.

Four electric models will be introduced by 2021, the first of which will reach the market in 2019.

PSA introduced its efficient modular platform (EMP2), dedicated to compact and premium models, in 2013 with the new Citroen C4 Picasso and Peugeot 308 and in 2014 in China. From 2019 onwards, that platform will be used in the deployment of the first plug-in hybrid gasoline models, including SUVs and CUVs with high-performance electric all-wheel drive.

Those models will have a 97-mile (60-km) driving range in all-electric mode, a spacious interior offering greater passenger comfort and cargo space and a 40% improvement in fuel efficiency in urban driving compared with non-hybrid models.

The PHEVs will come with a 4-hour charging system as well as an optional feature for recharging the battery in less than two hours. Seven PHEVs will be introduced between 2019 and 2021.

“These next-generation hybrid and electric technologies will complement our range of internal-combustion engines, thereby enabling PSA Group to offer its customers a diversified lineup of technologies that meet all of their mobility needs,” says Gilles Le Borgne, director-R&D. “This innovative strategy clearly demonstrates the Group's commitment to global, sustainable solutions that will allow us to take on the energy transition challenge.”