To many people the concept of an electric car is a relatively new one. However, electric cars have existed for a huge amount of time - with the first electric vehicle produced in the mid-eighteen hundreds. Their popularity was initially significant amongst motorists; though this petered out during the first twenty years of the nineteen hundreds - with the development of mass produced petrol and diesel powered cars.
In recent years many car manufacturers have turned their attention towards developing electric cars that are suitable to be driven on modern roads and motorways. Peugeot - with the iOn - are just one of the manufacturers that designed and developed an electric range; Renault and Nissan have also developed their own models in the past couple of years too.
Relatively small, the iOn is a great five-door hatchback. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the iOn is capable of travelling up to 80 miles before it needs to be charged. This feature, whilst not particularly appealing for those looking for a car for long distance commutes, has made the iOn desirable amongst those covering much shorter distances - such as a weekend trip to the local supermarket.
The iOn isn't the first electric model to be produced by Peugeot though. The Peugeot 106 Electrique was the French manufacturer's first electric-powered offering. It received its launch back in 1995 and utilised a nickel-cadium battery.
Although it's top speed - of 56mph - and its official range - 62 miles - was considerably less than that offered by the iOn today, the 106 Electrique proved popular amongst the French Government. Peugeot finished manufacturing the 106 in 2004, instead deciding to manufacture a new supermini model - the Peugeot 207, which has also since been discontinued by the French manufacturer.
Peugeot have also produced a number of electric concept cars, which have gone on display at a number of motor shows over the years. The BB1, for example, went on display in 2009. A two-door hatchback, it featured four seats and incorporated two rear wheel hub motors into its futurist design.
First made available to UK residents in the early months of 2011, the iOn has been relatively well received - by critics and motorists alike.
Whilst small the iOn provides enough space to make it a practical enough option for a small family. Many have also heaped praise on the steering - which is very precise - and its braking capabilities. The iOn handles very well and has been recognised as a great option - along with the Nissan Leaf - for those who live in tight urban environments.
Both the exterior and interior are very stylish; it's roomy and offers a reasonable amount of comfort for such a small electric car - a factor which makes it such an appealing option for motorists looking to switch to a much greener mode of transport, but one that, at the same time, offers a sense of luxury.
It remains to be seen where Peugeot will go with electric cars in the future, however, based on the previous offerings - the 106 Electrique - and the models currently available - the iOn - the electric car could become widely popular once again.
French car manufacturer Peugeot has directed a significant amount of focus towards developing electric cars over the past two decades. This article examines two of its most well-known electric models - the 106 Electrique and the more recent iOn.