Sanyo to power Lion

Batteries for the eagerly anticipated Peugeot 3008 hybrid will be produced by Sanyo – the world’s largest supplier of rechargeable cells.

The tie-up is the latest in a line of deals involving battery manufacturers as car firms bring in expertise to help develop their hi-tech models. Sanyo already makes nickel-metal hydride power batteries for Honda and Ford.

Bosses have confirmed that the diesel-electric 3008 will go on sale in the first quarter of 2011. Under the bonnet will be Peugeot’s regular 2.0-litre HDi engine, which delivers 163bhp. But it gets an additional 37bhp at peak power from the
electric motor, which will be positioned at the rear.

News that the Lion is to work with Sanyo means it’s likely that sister company Citroen will follow suit. The first hybrid to wear the famous chevron badge will also be a diesel – the DS5 is due to appear in showrooms in 2012.

The UK divisions of Peugeot and Citroen were unable to confirm the Sanyo deal.