The brand’s new Inception Concept vehicle features a number of exciting innovations, including one that does away with the conventional steering wheel
Peugeot has unveiled its new Inception Concept vehicle, a primer of what’s to come from the brand’s future electric vehicles.
CEO of Peugeot, Linda Jackson shares that “Peugeot is committed to the electrification of its range. In 2023, our entire line-up will be electrified and in the next two year, five new 100-percent electric models will be launched.”
The concept vehicle features a new light signature incorporating the distinctive claw design. This is merged with the front grille that also houses the sensors. A single piece of glass carries this design, with the logo in the centre, magnified by a 3D luminescent effect.
A tech bar runs horizontally through the door layer that is able to emit messages to the outside of the car when people approach. Artificial intelligence in the Inception Concept also allows the vehicle to recognise the driver to set up the desired comfort settings. It also displays the battery charge level and houses the vehicle’s sensors and radars, leaving a completely smooth bodywork.
7.25 square metres of glass encloses the car from the driver to the front passenger’s feet, creating a glass capsule from the windscreen to the side windows, and quarter windows.
The Inception Concept is based on the STLA (pronounced ‘Stella’, as if you were in a production of A Streetcar Named Desire) Large platform, one of four future Stellantis Group’s ‘BEV-by-design’ platforms.
The new native electric platform will also introduce AI-powered tech, such as STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit, and STLA AutoDrive. Future Peugeot models will be equipped with STLA Brain AI.
The fully electric Inception Concept has 800V technology, with a 100kWh battery. This allows up to 800km of range on a single charge, with a consumption of just 12.5.kWh/100km. The vehicle can also be charged wirelessly by induction, adding up to 150km in five minutes.
The concept vehicle is also powered by two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear. Its combined output is close to 680hp (500kW), with a century sprint timing of under three seconds.
But perhaps the most exciting part of the Inception Concept is its Hypersquare control system, that does away with the conventional steering wheel. In place of it instead are digital electric controls, and steer-by-wire technology.
The centre of the Hypersquare sits on a tablet screen for control information. Pictograms for air conditioning, radio volume, ADAS, and other features are displayed on two side panels for access. These are located inside circular recesses and can be accessed without taking your hands off the control.
The next generation i-Cockpit also includes the Stellantis STLA SmartCockpit technology platform and STLA AutoDrive, enabling Level 4 autonomous driving. When driving is delegated, the Hypersquare retracts and a large panoramic screen slides out from the floor.
This minimal cockpit is dedicated towards the driver, and does away with a dashboard, crossbar, and bulkhead.
Peugeot aims to introduce the Hypersquare on a next generation vehicle in the range, before the end of 2030.
The brand also aims to launch five new EVs over the next two years, and by 2030 aims to have all its cars sold in Europe be fully electric. This is in hopes towards reducing its carbon footprint by more than 50-percent by 2030 in Europe, and becoming fully Carbon Net Zero by 2038.
Keyword: Peugeot’s aims to launch cars without steering wheels by the end of 2030