Peugeot EX1 electric concept car (2010) first pictures

This is the Peugeot EX1, a two-seat electric roadster concept car built to celebrate the French brand’s 200th anniversary. And the EX1 will let Peugeot usher in its bicentennial in style as it’s just notched up a number of electric car world records.

It’s almost entirely carbonfibre, and the rear-hinged doors contain the seats, so you sit on the buckets before swinging your whole body into the metal and leather-lined cockpit. Two electric motors (one front, one rear) provide the power. Each motor produces a continuous 102bhp and 140lb ft, but also peaks of 170bhp and 177lb ft, and as all four wheels are driven the EX1 is four-wheel drive. The 750kg kerbweight and 340bhp peak power equate to a 3.6 second 0-62mph run.

And those records? In the quite specific FIA category A, group 8, class 2, the EX1 has bested a few runs set by an electric Opel back in 1971, and notched up a few all-new records as well. The EX1 concept will be on display at Peugeot’s posh store on the Champs-Elysees from today until 14 November 2010, and after that it’s off to China to set some more world records.

By Ben Pulman