Peugeot e-208 review
The electric Peugeot 208 is a smart, grown-up package that's fun to drive and has both a useful range and decent rapid-charging capability
Pros
- Great, high-tech interior
- Decent passenger space
- Tidy handling and performance
Cons
- Fussy sat-nav interface
- No proper cable storage
- Not cheap for a small car
| Car type | Electric range | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 225 miles | 7hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 30mins (10-80%, 100kW) |
Peugeot e-208 verdict
The style, on-board technology and generally sophisticated feel of the Peugeot e-208 are what set it apart from most other small electric cars. It’s also fun to drive in town or on country roads, with plenty of oomph provided by the tried-and-tested running gear. However, we wish it offered a slightly more forgiving ride and it’s certainly not the cheapest electric hatchback around these days.
Range details, specs and alternatives
The Peugeot e-208 was the French brand’s first modern electric car, going on sale in 2019 alongside petrol and diesel-powered versions of the small five-door hatchback. Peugeot’s EV line-up has since expanded to include the e-2008 SUV, e-Rifter MPV and e-Traveller minibus, with five more brand-new electric cars on their way over the next two years alone.
But let's focus on the e-208 for now. Underneath the smart-looking exterior and stylish cabin is the same platform used by the aforementioned e-2008, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric (formerly Corsa-e and Mokka-e), Citroen e-C4, the recently facelifted DS 3 E-Tense and several other EVs in the Stellantis family.
At launch the e-208’s chief competitors were the electric Vauxhall Corsa and the hugely successful Renault ZOE. But today, its list of rivals has grown to include the Ora Funky Cat – our Best Urban Electric Car for 2023 – and zero-emissions city cars like the MINI Electric, Honda e and Fiat 500 as they’re similar prices, but are considerably less practical than the Peugeot.
The MG4 EV is another strong rival. Despite being a much larger car it undercuts the e-208 by several thousand pounds, plus the MG4 can also go further on a charge in Long Range form, which could sway potential buyers with families.
The e-208 currently uses a 134bhp electric motor sending all its power to the front wheels, fed by a 50kWh battery. The official driving range with this set-up is 225 miles. However, Peugeort’s entry-level EV will soon be available with a slightly larger 51kWh battery. That, combined with some tweaks to reduce energy consumption, will boost the range of the e-208 to 248 miles, according to the French carmaker.
The trim structure for the e-208 has also changed several times since it launched, with the entry-level Active and Allure and range-topping GT Premium specifications being dropped in that time. The outgoing 50kWh e-208 is still available to order in Active Premium+, Allure Premium and GT trim, with the updated model is due on sale in the coming months.
Entry-level models get automatic lights and parking sensors, as well as a seven-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Peugeot i-Cockpit digital driver’s display and a full suite of safety systems. But, upgrading to the pricier trim levels adds a 3D i-Cockpit instrument panel, 10-inch central touchscreen, 180-degree reversing camera and ambient lighting.
For more on the Peugeot e-208, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…
