The automotive industry is facing major changes, and Peugeot is a key part of this with the Peugeot Inception Concept. This concept car shows how Peugeot envisions the future of electric vehicles, with a strong focus on sustainability and new technologies. The Inception Concept is more than just a concept car; it’s a preview of what we can expect from Peugeot in the coming years.
A new vision on cars
The Peugeot Inception Concept, designed under the leadership of Design Director Matthias Hossann, represents a new way for Peugeot to think about cars. The name ‘Inception’, which means ‘the beginning’, was carefully chosen to reflect Peugeot’s ambition: to usher in a new era of car design and technology. The car is built on Stellantis’ new ‘BEV-by-design’ platforms, specifically developed for electric vehicles. These platforms will underpin future Peugeot models and enable new designs.
Simplicity and refinement in design
The Inception Concept combines recognizable Peugeot style with a renewed, simple aesthetic. The car has clean lines and athletic shapes that are characteristic of Peugeot. A special aspect of the design is the use of ‘Smart Glazing’, a special glass that not only protects but also creates a unique visual effect. This glass seamlessly connects the interior and exterior, creating a protective cocoon for the occupants.
A new driving experience
Peugeot doesn’t just want to create beautiful cars, but also cars that offer an exceptional driving experience. The Inception Concept uses the Hypersquare steering system, inspired by video games. This system replaces the traditional steering wheel with an intuitive digital system, making driving easier and safer. The car is equipped with Steer-by-Wire technology, which eliminates the physical steering column, offering a new way of driving.
The Inception Concept’s interior has also been updated. The seats are designed to conform to the passenger’s shape, providing greater comfort. The high beltline and large glass surfaces convey a sense of security and connection to the outside world.
Sustainability as a core value
Peugeot has set itself the target of reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50% by 2030 and becoming completely climate neutral by 2038. This target is supported by innovations in the Inception Concept, such as the use of sustainable materials. These include moulded textiles, made from waste materials that have been reused and reworked into strong materials for the car’s components. Raw galvanised steel is also used in the construction of the seats and consoles, contributing to the sustainability of the interior.
Technology that shapes the future
The Inception Concept features 800V technology, which delivers a range of 500 miles (800 kilometers) on a single charge and low energy consumption. The battery can be charged via induction, making charging easier. In addition, the car has a combined power output of 680 hp, which delivers strong performance, including acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in under three seconds.
Artificial intelligence also plays a key role in Peugeot’s future. The STLA Brain platform, integrated into the Inception Concept, uses AI to enhance the driving experience. From driver assistance systems to infotainment, this technology ensures Peugeot is ready for the future.
Peugeot’s new direction
With the Inception Concept, Peugeot is taking a major step into the future. In the coming years, Peugeot will launch five new fully electric models based on the technologies and designs showcased in the Inception Concept. By 2030, all Peugeot models sold in Europe will be fully electric.
Peugeot not only wants to embrace the electric car trend but also sets the industry standard. This model demonstrates how Peugeot combines sustainability, innovation, and driving pleasure in its future vehicles.
McKinsey: Evolving Mobility Sector
The McKinsey Center for Future Mobility’s “Spotlight on Mobility Trends” report (March 2024) identifies key trends and changes in the mobility sector in 2023 and provides an outlook for the near future. A notable trend is the shift in consumer preferences toward more sustainable mobility options such as e-bikes. A significant 62% of respondents are changing their transportation habits due to sustainability concerns, and 20% are considering replacing their private vehicles with alternatives within ten years.
Furthermore, demand for electric vehicles (EVs) remains strong globally, despite regional sales slowdowns. China remains the leader in e-mobility, with a quarter of new cars in 2023 being battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The EV market is further strengthened by falling prices, particularly from Chinese manufacturers.
Investments in mobility technologies, such as electrification and autonomous vehicles (AVs), increased in 2023, primarily due to the rise of generative AI. Micromobility, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, is also growing, and there is increasing demand for personalized and convenient EV purchase options.
Advances are being made in the area of autonomous vehicles, but technical challenges and public acceptance are hindering large-scale adoption. The large-scale introduction of vehicles with Level 4 (L4) capabilities is expected by 2026. Demand for lithium-ion batteries, essential for EVs, is expected to grow by 27% annually through 2030, potentially leading to production bottlenecks.
Peugeot is capitalizing on these trends with the Inception Concept, an innovative model that embodies Peugeot’s vision for electric vehicles and sustainability. Built on Stellantis’ new “BEV-by-design” platforms, the Inception Concept introduces advanced technologies such as the Hypersquare operating system and Steer-by-Wire, offering a new driving experience. Peugeot aims to offer fully electric models in Europe by 2030 and has set a target of being climate-neutral by 2038. The Inception Concept, with its sustainable materials and powerful performance, illustrates Peugeot’s determination not only to embrace the electric car trend but to set the industry standard.
