Lion's i-MiEV plugs in

Peugeot is ready to hitch a ride on the electric bandwagon – by rebadging the Mitsubishi i-MiEV as its own...

The result is the 008, an innovative four-seater that the French marque hopes will take it into new territory and steer the way towards a fresh face for the firm.

The two companies have had an agreement since last June to work together on battery-powered cars. Our sources say the tie-up means we’ll see the Lion logo sitting on the nose of the i-MiEV within the next two years.

The i-MiEV is one of a small band of fully electric cars currently on UK sale. Only 200 are earmarked for Britain this year, though. Its 64bhp electric engine drives the rear wheels, and one full charge can deliver a range of around 100 miles.

With an identical body to the Japanese micro car, the French version will also run off lithium-ion batteries stored under the seats. Peugeot hopes to shift 10,000 examples of the 008 annually, doubling Mitsubishi’s expected production figures.

As with the i-MiEV, the Peugeot will be priced around £20,000, and it’s expected in UK showrooms by 2011.