1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
MSRP:$3,000 – $7,000
The Peugeot 106 Electrique reflected the engineering compromises involved in adapting an established petrol-powered hatchback to battery-electric operation. Instead of designing a dedicated electric vehicle from the ground up, Peugeot retained the familiar 106 platform and adapted its powertrain to meet the needs of short-distance driving. This approach offered a practical route into electric mobility, but battery weight, limited energy storage, and modest performance placed clear boundaries on its capabilities. The result was a small car shaped as much by the technology available at the time as by the demands of everyday transportation.
Produced across the 1995–2003 model years, the Electrique used a 20 kWh battery and an electric motor generating 27 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque. Its front-wheel-drive configuration maintained the conventional layout, while the claimed 49-mile range favoured predictable local journeys over long-distance travel. A maximum speed of 56 mph further reflected its urban-oriented role. Although its operating limits differ considerably from those of modern electric cars, the 106 Electrique provides an interesting example of the practical challenges manufacturers faced when bringing battery power into an existing compact-car design.
Mini HatchbackGasolineRN 1.2
$3,500
54
hp
4
seats
39.2
mpg
Mini HatchbackGasoline$4,000 – $8,500
53
hp
5
seats
43.5
mpg
Compact HatchbackGasoline216 GTi
$3,000 – $5,000
—
hp
5
seats
28.6
mpg
Mini HatchbackGasolineKamaz Oka VAZ-11113
$6,000 – $7,000
33
hp
4
seats
44.4
mpg
Small HatchbackGasoline1.1
$4,000 – $5,500
53
hp
4
seats
36.7
mpg
Small HatchbackGasoline1.0
$4,000 – $7,000
43
hp
5
seats
40.6
mpg
Micro HatchbackGasolinesmart & pure
$1,500 – $3,500
44
hp
2
seats
49
mpg
Mini HatchbackGasolineSmall 500 Cat
$9,000 – $13,000
30
hp
5
seats
37.3
mpg