Peugeot have brought out the world’s first diesel electric hybrid. This car was on show at last year’s Paris Motor Show and will be on sale in November; with plans to introduce the engine across other models in the range. Peugeot 3008 contract hire is very popular but with this new engine clients may want to wait and see if there really is any great advantage in having a diesel/electric engine rather than a petrol/electric engine; some are suggesting that the fuel economy advantages are offset by the extra cost.

The market for this car outside of Europe may be quite limited; because in the United States and Japan they just don’t like diesel. This vehicle has a 8kw generator which re-charges the battery, there is a 36bhp electric motor which drives the rear wheels; it’s a very effective way of achieving four wheel drive compared with the normal mechanical method.

The 3008 will be able to run in electric mode for up to 2.5 miles at around 31 mph. Leasing a Peugeot 3008 hybrid will not however be cheap, although with an expected combined fuel cycle of 54mpg and emissions of 135g/km, together with what is apparently quite a respectable off road capability, it is going to have a following.