Much has happened during the three years since the e-2008 has been in existence. A new parent for Peugeot has certainly shaken up the market, not only in Europe but North America, Stellantis going from strength to strength in each region. Asia, however, and China in particular, remains a major weak spot, though a rethink and a reset are expected.
Not even a distinctive array of electric Peugeot SUVs seems to hold much interest to local buyers, the French brand being a shadow of its once former self in the PRC. This is an enormous pity as the lion-logo marque’s latest little EV-SUV deserves better luck there.
To customers in the UK and EU nations, the e-2008 or E-2008 as it will soon become after its mid-life refresh, has lots of appeal. Tax advantages aside, the electric two thousand and eight stands out with smart-sharp styling whether both outside and inside. It’s genuinely engaging to drive too. How often do you hear that said about any small EV?
Front- versus rear-wheel drive
Where the fairly similarly proportioned rival ID.3 has a rear-wheel drive chassis, the little Peugeot is front-wheel drive. Neither can be ordered with AWD although rumour has it that Volkswagen might change that state of affairs by adding a GTX variant in 2024.
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In the class above these two, Stellantis will equip a new generation E-3008 with four-wheel drive commencing in the first quarter of 2024, this being the launch vehicle for the group’s STLA (‘Stella’) Medium architecture.
Back in the B segment, the e-2008 by contrast uses a platform that’s been around for quite some time. Originally part of a JV project with Dongfeng Motor, e-CMP has been much-evolved in recent years. Along with the CMP equivalent for ICE cars and SUVs, this architecture is a great basis not only for multiple well-packaged Group models but its inherent costs will have been amortised long ago.
Strong on packaging
Starting with that packaging, Peugeot has got a lot right with the e-2008. It may be a mere 4.3 metres long yet it’s hard to find fault with the layout. That’s greatly helped by the canny idea of siting the steering wheel low – part and parcel of the brand’s i-Cockpit concept.
The dashboard wraps around the driver, allowing a lower than normal positioning of front seating. The same applies in the back, the result being abundant head room, while shoulder space isn’t lacking either.
There’s a small pod of readouts immediately in the driver’s line of sight and that chunky steering wheel has near-flat shaping at not only the bottom but the top too. This ensures a clear view to the digital data, while secondary information is on a dash-top screen. Below this are the ‘keys’ which all Peugeots with the i-concept concept come with. These buttons not only look good but they are fast to operate, adding to safety.
Heavier than ICE variants but smooth ride
Even with a substantial weight gain, the EV version of the 2008 doesn’t feel that different to variants powered by liquid fuel. The car’s reactions, starting with steering, are good if not as sharp as the best of its competitors. Still, the suspension smoothes out the bumps way better than something with a 2.6 m wheelbase might be expected to.
Mass is the obvious factor which comes into play with the electric 2008’s ride, the 50 kWh (gross) / 47 kWh (net) battery pack being centrally mounted and powering a single motor, outputs of which are 100 kW and 260 Nm. Driven normally, maximum range is usually above 200 miles, with 220 possible if the A/C isn’t activated too often.
DC CCS charging at up to 80 per cent
Replenishing up to 80 per cent of the battery’s energy can take as little as half an hour thanks to 100 kW DC CCS charging, a very handy standard feature. Save money by using a 7 kW charger instead and you’re looking at just under eight hours. Cables can be stashed in a special recess below the 434-litre boot’s floor.
The e-2008 isn’t quite as rapid as some in its class but a 0-62 mph time of 9.0 seconds is surely fast enough for most people, as is the 93 mph top speed. Those figures will be much the same for the facelifted cars. And along with the styling tweaks, there is a 54 kWh (gross) / 50 kWh (net) battery and a fresh motor which produces 115 kW. Claimed maximum range rises to a stated 250 miles.
Conclusion
Four years old it may be yet the electric 2008 remains one of the most attractive all-rounders in the B/C size class. It may not have the biggest battery or be the fastest but it looks sharp, the dashboard stands out – in a good way – with the amount of space on offer the icing on the cake. The plug-in 2008 is far from inexpensive though but you could say that about almost every small to medium EV.
The electric Peugeot 2008 is priced from GBP36,500 OTR
