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Peugeot Inception Concept and STLA

Of course, we will go into the futuristic details of the Peugeot Inception Concept in a moment. First, some useful consumer information. Information that is useful to you. For example, the Inception is on the new STLA platform, a platform developed specifically for 100% electric cars. There will be a total of four platforms, all scalable in various ways. The possibilities are endless: from a compact hatchback to an electric pickup like the RAM 1500 Revolution. But so is a sexy sedan, like this Peugeot Inception Concept.

STLA Large platform

The study model is on the STLA Large platform. The sedan has a length of exactly 5 meters. Even more interestingly, STLA can accommodate new technology, such as more powerful electric motors, smarter battery packs and also new charging options. The 100% electric Peugeot Inception is equipped with 800V technology. Thanks to its 100 kWh battery, it can travel 800 kilometers on one full charge, the distance from Paris to Marseilles or Brussels to Berlin.

Up to 680 hp for Inception

Energy consumption remains quite limited on paper at just 12.5 kWh per 100 km. The battery charges at the equivalent of 30 km per minute or 150 km in five minutes. The Inception is also chargeable via induction, but Peugeot is not giving any real details on this yet. The French do cite some performance figures. The car has two compact electric motors, one in the front and one in the rear. Thus, AWD is created. System power comes out to 680 hp (500 kW). The 0-100 sprint takes less than three seconds.

What does the name Inception mean?

The name Inception – or “Inceptio” in Latin – means “the beginning. Quite a logical name, then, since this study model ushers in a new era of Peugeot. The Peugeot Inception Concept embodies the brand’s vision for future electric vehicles. Not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of look and feel.

Futuristic interior for Peugeot Inception Concept

The interior, for example, looks particularly futuristic, but not unrealistic, according to Peugeot. The interior gives a taste of new-generation i-Cockpit. An important role here is played by Hypersquare. The Hypersquare with digital controls consists of a screen with circular cells in each of the four corners, which have different functions, such as activation of controls by pressing with the thumb.

The centerpiece of the Hypersquare is a tablet-like screen specifically designed to transmit driving information. The icons for the various functions (air conditioning, radio volume, ADAS, et cetera) are displayed on the two additional side panels.

Goodbye steering wheel!

During the transition to Level 4 (partially) autonomous driving (STLA AutoDrive), the Hypersquare retracts and a large panoramic screen slides out of the floor to provide a new passenger space experience. The French brand combines the Hypersquare operating system with a flexible screen in the background that displays driving or infotainment information in 360°. This so-called Halo Cluster has a circular display and informs passengers approaching the car.

No steering column

Thanks to steer-by-wire, the physical steering column disappears. This results in more interior space. The dashboard is history, as is the crossmember and the bulkhead. This completely open view of the road allows occupants to see and experience more, making the on-board experience more intense, according to the manufacturer.

Peugeot’s goal is to introduce the Hypersquare in a completely new model before the end of the decade. We are curious. Its new design language will be introduced on the following Peugeot models starting in 2025.

2025 will be an interesting year

Linda Jackson, CEO of the Peugeot brand, said, “The study model inspires the brand’s future products from 2025, right down to the most compact models in the lineup. From 2024, 100% of the vehicles in the range will be electrified, and in the next two years we will launch five new all-electric models. Our ambition is simple: to make Peugeot the leading electric brand in Europe by 2030.”

Matthias Hossann, Peugeot Design Director, adds, “The study model also illustrates some of our philosophies behind reducing Peugeot’s_{carbon footprint}– more than 50% by 2030.  In fact, by 2038, Peugeot will be completely ‘Carbon Net Zero’.”

Unique glass roof

The car’s glass roof is striking. The roof has a glass area of 7.25 square meters. All glazing all around is made of glass normally found in architecture. The name of the glass is Narima. It has thermal properties and benefits from multichrome treatment (treatment with metal oxides), a process initially used by NASA for the visors of astronaut helmets.

Tech Bar for Peugeot Inception

The doors house a so-called Tech Bar. This recessed horizontal display broadcasts various messages to the driver and passengers as they approach the car.  In addition to the battery charge level, the Tech Bar also displays the usual “welcome” and “goodbye” messages. It also houses many sensors and radars linked to driver assistance systems, keeping the body completely smooth.

Peugeot all-electric from 2030!

In a nutshell, “The Inception embodies the vision of the future of the automobile. With the aim of best meeting the expectations of customers who are open to new technologies and looking for ever more fun. A new generation of customers eager to be connected and looking for a brand that offers electric vehicles with a long range, easy access to charging and integrated connectivity. Peugeot believes it has gathered these diverse customer needs into a total solution. Over the next two years, the brand will introduce five new 100% electric models equipped with this technology. Peugeot will then have a full EV offering. By 2030, all models sold in Europe will be fully electric.”