500 hp coupé reveals the future of Peugeot electric cars
The name Peugeot RCZ Vision comes from the past. Almost everything else points to the future: a solid-state battery, 1000 V voltage, and a steering system with no mechanical connection to the wheels.
When it appeared in 2009, the Peugeot RCZ was a sort of “happy accident” in a lineup dominated by much more practical models. A two-door coupe with gasoline engines and diesel engines, as well as a distinctive silhouette that couldn’t be overlooked.
More than a decade after its disappearance, the name is back. But fuel has been left behind. The Peugeot RCZ Vision is 100% electric, and despite its obvious connection to the original coupe, it interests us mainly for another reason: it is likely the most comprehensive glimpse we’ve had so far of Peugeot’s technological future.
The RCZ Vision was unveiled at Stellantis’ event ahead of the opening of the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Razão Automóvel is in Paris to cover the latest updates.
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It is a concept vehicle, and for now there is no confirmation that it will lead to a production RCZ. The goal is to showcase solutions that, sooner or later, should make their way to Peugeot models we can actually buy, but wrapped in the most emotive form factor the French brand could find: a coupe.
Solid-state battery and 10-minute charging
Let’s start with the battery. Peugeot used solid-state cells developed in collaboration with Factorial Energy, integrated into a battery that is only 110 mm thick. The high energy density is precisely one of the main promises of this technology: storing more energy while taking up less space.
In this case, it is combined with a 1000 V electrical architecture, higher than the 800 V systems found in some of the most advanced electric vehicles on the market today.
The announced results are impressive: 10% to 80% charge in less than 10 minutes, a range of up to 600 km, and fuel consumption of only 11.5 kWh/100 km. The battery capacity was not disclosed.
The strange steering wheel is much closer
There are other solutions that are even closer to becoming available at dealerships. The Hypersquare, the rectangular steering control that Peugeot has been showcasing in its prototypes, appears here paired with a steer-by-wire system. It’s a solution we’ve already had the chance to experience: watch the video.
In other words, there is no longer any mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Steering becomes entirely electronic and can adjust the gear ratio based on speed. During maneuvers, the maximum rotation of the Hypersquare is less than one full turn.
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And it’s not just a futuristic solution seen only in a show car prototype: the Hypersquare will arrive in 2027 with the new generation of the Peugeot E-208.
The RCZ Vision introduces brake-by-wire technology, eliminating the conventional hydraulic connection between the pedal and the braking system, and uses transparent Micro LED screens that can virtually disappear when not needed.
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To some extent, yes. The RCZ Vision introduces the Feline Future design language, which Peugeot claims will shape its future models. There’s a new interpretation of the three illuminated “claws,” more muscular surfaces, and a clear effort to reduce visual complexity.
Naturally, we shouldn’t expect the next 208 to leave the factory with 22″ wheels, a huge glass bubble, or the proportions of this coupe. But pay attention to the visual details that define the RCZ Vision: they promise to survive the transition to production. The same goes for the STLA One platform, which will also be introduced with the new generation of the E-208.
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As for the possibility of Peugeot bringing back a coupe like the RCZ to its lineup, who knows? It’s interesting that they’ve revived this name, but neither the market seems receptive to coupes nor is the current situation conducive to eccentric designs — Stellantis is just another automotive giant going through a restructuring phase.