This is the Inception Concept, a new and very sleek battery-electric (BEV) concept car from Peugeot.

Designed on the STLA Large platform – one of four future ‘BEV-by design’ platforms that are in development by Peugeot’s parent, Stellantis – the Inception Concept is equipped with 800-volt technology, has a 100kWh battery and uses, the company claims, just 12.5kWh per 100km, enabling a range of 800km on a single charge. The 800-volt platform enables the battery to charge the equivalent of 150km of range in five minutes and the Inception can be recharged via an induction system.

There are two electric motors, one at the front and the other at the rear, giving the Inception 500kW of oomph. Those potent motors mean the concept can reach 100kmh in under three seconds.

The styling of the Inception is stunning and there are some sleek ‘Aerorim’ wheels, with forged textile inserts, that add to the its aerodynamic slipperiness.
Technology is top-notch too, and the interior sees an evolved variation of Peugeot’s ‘i-Cockpit’ that includes a ‘Hypersquare’ steering wheel and a steer-by-wire system which replaces mechanical links with electric controls.

The Hypersquare consists of a screen with circular cells in each of its corners which enable functions to be activated by pressing with the thumb. At its centre is a tablet-type screen displaying control information. The control system is combined with a flexible screen, called the Halo Cluster, in the background that displays driving or infotainment data.

Peugeot says the Inception Concept is designed to be capable of Level 4 autonomous driving, and that during Level 4 driving the Hypersquare retracts to be replaced by a large panoramic screen.

Other technology includes artificial intelligence that allows the Inception to, for example, recognise occupants in order to set up the desired comfort settings (seat posture, temperature, driving mode and multimedia preferences).

The Inception is also an exercise in reducing Peugeot’s carbon footprint. Construction and fit-out includes the use of recycled moulded textiles as well as raw galvanised steel, and the seats and floor are covered with 100 per cent recycled material.

Concept vehicles represent the direction brands are looking at in terms of style, design and technology, and the Inception is no different. While it’s unlikely to appear as a road car anytime soon, it does give an insight into Peugeot’s thinking, and the company says that over the next two years it will launch five new 100 per cent electric models, have a fully electric range and, by 2030, expects all Peugeot cars sold in Europe to be electric.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2023)

2 March 2023