Peugeot is on a roll right now when it comes to introducing a whole host of electrified offerings to its range.
First up, there’s the new e-208 supermini, which is a breakthrough model for the French manufacturer. It’s also launching a whole host of plug-in hybrids in the next few years and following that there will be the new Peugeot e-2008 – a very important model for the brand.
As with the 208, the 2008 will be offered alongside the regular petrol and diesel 2008 crossover, but it’s the EV we’re focused on here, and this is why we reckon it could be the ideal first EV.
No compromise on boot and interior space
One issue that many have found with electric cars is that they can often not be as spacious as their petrol and diesel counterparts. To ensure this isn’t the case on the Peugeot e-2008, the brand has worked hard to position the batteries close to the floor.
Because of this, there is no compromise when it comes to boot and interior space next to the standard 2008, which is a superb achievement.
With the all-new 2008 being 14cm longer than the model it replaces, this allows for a 360-litre boot and enough space in the cabin for the e-2008 to be used as a smaller family car.
Host of EV-specific functions to make owning one simpler
Peugeot says it’s committed to supporting motorists when they make the transition to electric, so the brand will be launching a host of specific services to help with EV ownership.
First up there will be a service that helps potential owners work out a home charging solution (providing they have off-street parking), while through ‘Free2Move’, the e-2008 is available with a pass that allows owners to have access to public charging points across Europe. Several EV trip planners also aim to make longer journeys simpler for drivers. These are just a selection of the services Peugeot is offering customers.
High-quality interior
The new 2008’s high-quality interior is not just exclusive to the EV, but it certainly makes the e-2008 more appealing than many of its rivals. Along with the new 208 supermini (which the 2008 shares many things in common with), the new crossover features a fantastic instrument display, known as the ‘i-Cockpit’. It’s been an addition on every new Peugeot for several years, and the new 2008 features the latest version of this. It’s a cross between a usual digital cockpit and a head-up display and is one of the best systems around.
Same range of trim levels as the regular 2008 range
As part of Peugeot’s philosophy of normalising electric cars, the e-2008 is offered with the same trim levels as the regular 2008.
While Peugeot is yet to confirm what each grade will come with, it has said that UK buyers will able to have the same choice as the petrol and diesel 2008 – this meaning they pick between the entry-level Active, Allure, GT Line and GT models. Each is likely to come well-equipped as standard, while the e-2008 should also undercut the price of rivals, which include the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric, though this hasn’t been confirmed.
Rapid charging as standard
Unlike some other electric cars, the e-2008 will come as standard with rapid charging capability. As this EV is able to charge at a rate of 100kW, it means a rapid charge can top the batteries up from flat to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes – making this model a viable option on long distance journeys.
The e-2008’s powertrain itself will not be class-leading, but with a 134bhp electric motor paired to a 50kWh battery, Peugeot claims the model can manage up to 193 miles on a single charge. That should be plenty of range for most drivers – particularly if you live in a town or city.