Which EV to replace a Peugeot 308 diesel? | MVE

The 308 BlueHDi is the rational driver's car. You didn't choose Peugeot out of passion or on a whim. You chose it because the diesel consumption lived up to its promises, because the upholstery and i-Cockpit were pleasant, and because 1,000 km between fill-ups made long journeys effortless.

The switch to electric raises a genuine question: how do you get that same peace of mind back on long trips?

What do 308 diesel drivers really want from an EV?

Range, economy, practicality. No obvious compromise. The typical Belgian 308 diesel driver covered 30,000–45,000 km per year for private users, over 50,000 for company drivers. These were people spending a lot of time on the E40, E411, or E19.

This profile was long the number-one anti-EV argument: "My diesel does 1,000 km, my EV does 400 km." That calculation was correct in 2019. It's much less so in 2026, with a 77 kWh battery, 100 kW DC charging, and a very dense Ionity/Fastned network on Belgian motorway corridors.

Peugeot e-308: the continuity choice

If you own a 308 diesel, the e-308 is the smoothest migration available. Same silhouette, same 3D i-Cockpit interior, same wheelbase, same driving character that Peugeot has been refining for years. You sit inside and you don't feel like you've stepped into an alien spacecraft.

The 77 kWh (net) battery delivers 410–445 km real-world in mixed Belgian use at a 0.78 coefficient. On the motorway at 120 km/h, expect 340–370 km. It's not the diesel's 1,000 km, but with a home charge every night you stop thinking about energy altogether on your regular journeys.

The SW estate, now available with the 77 kWh battery, addresses one of the historical criticisms of the e-308: its 548 L boot rivals the 308 SW diesel and suits active families.

One detail worth noting: the e-308 accepts up to 11 kW AC charging, versus 7.4 kW for many competitors. At an 11 kW workplace or retail car park charger, you recover 88 kWh over 8 hours — more than the battery's total capacity.

Renault Mégane E-Tech 87 kWh: if you do many long trips

For 308 drivers who regularly make Brussels–Paris, Brussels–Cologne, or Brussels–Lille round trips, the Mégane E-Tech 87 kWh adds extra range margin. Around 440–465 km real-world in mixed use — 30–40 km more than the e-308 under equivalent conditions.

Its real-world motorway consumption is particularly low for the segment: 16–18 kWh/100 km at 120 km/h, versus 17–20 for the e-308. The body's aerodynamics contribute (Cx of 0.26).

The 440 L boot in hatchback form is slightly smaller than the e-308 hatchback (412 L). And unlike Peugeot, Renault does not yet offer an electric estate version of the Mégane.

On long trips: what actually changes?

Take a real journey: Brussels to Paris (315 km). With your 308 BlueHDi, you'd go non-stop, or with a 5-minute comfort break.

With an e-308 77 kWh, leaving at 95%: you arrive in Paris with around 15–20% battery remaining. That's doable without charging if your pace is moderate (110–120 km/h). At 130 km/h, a short 15–20 min charge at Ionity Valenciennes or Ionity Arras is the sensible approach.

It's no longer the total freedom of diesel, but it's not a painful constraint either if you fold it into your usual meal stop on the road.

Which EV to recommend to replace a 308 diesel in Belgium?

For 95% of Belgian 308 diesel drivers with home charging, the e-308 77 kWh is the best replacement: same brand, same ergonomics, sufficient range, estate available. If you're a sales rep regularly covering 600+ km per day, look at your charging logistics first before deciding. That profile requires either a VW ID.7 (larger battery) or a more disciplined approach to charging organisation.

Frequently asked questions

Why was the Peugeot 308 diesel so popular in Belgium?

The 308 BlueHDi 130 consumes 3.8 to 4.5 L/100 km in mixed use — that's 55–60 € of diesel for 1,200 km from a 50 L tank. That's a real-world range of 1,000–1,100 km between fill-ups. For high-mileage Belgian drivers (sales reps, families with shared-custody arrangements, long commutes), it was unbeatable in terms of practicality.

Is the e-308 77 kWh range sufficient for diesel drivers?

For the vast majority of use cases, yes. 410–445 km real-world in mixed Belgian conditions covers 5 to 7 days of typical journeys with a home charge every night. The only real problem arises on occasional long-distance trips: Brussels–Paris (270 km), Brussels–Amsterdam (210 km), or Brussels–Bordeaux. For those trips, a 20–30 min charge stop is needed — something you never had to do with diesel.

Is there an electric equivalent to the 308 SW diesel with a large boot?

Yes: the Peugeot e-308 SW (77 kWh battery from 2025). Boot space of 548 L in normal position. This was precisely what was missing at the initial e-308 launch. For families who used the 308 SW to carry bikes, a pushchair, and luggage for four, the e-308 SW is the most natural transition possible.

Is the e-308 charging speed adequate?

The e-308 accepts up to 100 kW DC charging (at Ionity or Fastned stations). From 10% to 80%, expect around 35–40 minutes. It's not an 800V ultra-fast model, but it's more than enough for a coffee break on a long journey. On AC at home (7.4 kW), an overnight full charge (8h) recovers 55–59 kWh, giving 380–420 km of range.

What is the cost per km of an e-308 vs a 308 BlueHDi?

308 BlueHDi 130: 4.2 L/100 km × 1.75 €/L diesel = 7.35 €/100 km. e-308 77 kWh: 15.5 kWh/100 km × 0.24 €/kWh (mixed home/public rate) = 3.72 €/100 km. The saving is 3.60 €/100 km, or 720 € on 20,000 km/year. Add reduced servicing (no oil changes, no particulate filter, no EGR system to clean) and the gap rises to 1,100–1,400 € per year.

Is the e-308 available on a company lease in Belgium?

Yes, and it's one of its strengths in 2026. The 100% deductibility for company EVs applies until 31/12/2026, which significantly reduces the effective monthly cost. The benefit-in-kind (BIK) on an e-308 is also well below that of an equivalent 308 diesel, which benefits employees with a company car.

Which electric car to replace a Peugeot 308 diesel in Belgium?