Peugeot has had the e-208 on the market since June 2019. The electric model charges with up to 100 kW and can travel 340 kilometers with one battery charge according to WLTP – at least so far. Because the French are now making sure that the small car lasts a little longer.
With the 208, Peugeot quotes the old 205 in some places. The graphics of the C-pillar, for example, or the shape of the rear windows point to the predecessor. The 205 was a great success and as a GTi it is one of the brand’s icons. But the team around head of design Gilles Vidal didn’t dwell on quotes for too long, especially inside the future was moving in. With the 3D i-cockpit and the electric version, the 208 does a lot differently than many competitors such as the VW Polo or the Ford Fiesta. Both are only available with internal combustion engines. Peugeot, on the other hand, let loose the e-208 in the small car segment right from the market launch. Biggest visual difference: the grill is painted in the same color as the car. Unlike the competitor Renault, whose Zoe competes with the electric 208, there is no rental model for the batteries; the 50 kWh storage unit is sold with the car. The electric version is built exclusively in Slovakia. Originally, Peugeot had expected a 10% share for the small electric car in the overall 208 mix, but shortly after the market launch, according to brand boss Jean-Philippe Imparato, a quarter of the pre-orders for the new Peugeot 208 were for the electric version e-208.
Lighter platform with electric option
The PSA Group’s Common Modular Platform (CMP) is expected to save around 30 kilos in weight, and it also contains better insulation and components with less friction. Says Peugeot. The new platform also allows the installation of a hybrid or electric drive. On the outside, the new Peugeot 208 is five centimeters longer and three lower than its predecessor. The dimensions of the body and the space available on the e-208 are the same as on the petrol or diesel. The trunk is a little smaller than its predecessor, but has a size that is customary for its class. The volume of the current model is given by Peugeot at 265 to 1,106 liters.
22 km more range from now on
The batteries in the electric version are arranged in the underbody in such a way that the feet fit under the front seats and the interior is just as spacious as the internal combustion engine. Among other things, batteries are installed instead of the tank. The unit consists of 18 packages with 12 cells each and has a capacity of 50 kW.
According to the WLTP, that should be enough for 340 kilometers so far. A value that Peugeot now wants to top again in the e-208. That’s why the French put other tires with lower rolling resistance on the 16-inch wheels. In terms of mechanics, the engineers optimize the gear ratio. In addition, Peugeot is installing a new heat pump that is connected to a humidity sensor. The latter is located at the top of the windshield and transmits information for precise control of the air circulation in the passenger compartment. The tool increases the efficiency of heating and air conditioning and thus saves energy. According to the manufacturer, this is particularly noticeable at low outside temperatures. With the revisions, Peugeot promises a WLTP range of up to 362 kilometers. That is 22 kilometers more than the e-208 could hold out according to the data sheet.
From zero to 100 km / h in 8.1 seconds
The battery feeds a 100 kW, i.e. 136 PS, electric motor. This enables the little electrician to accelerate from zero to 100 km / h in 8.1 seconds. Three driving programs (Eco, Normal, Sport) and a two-stage adjustable recuperation allow the driver to adjust the characteristics of the drive and the strength of the energy recovery when braking. The car can be pre-tempered using the app. The seats are heated.
50 kWh battery charges 80% in 30 minutes
The e-208 offers several charging options. Charging takes different times depending on the infrastructure. The battery is charged after 16 hours at a 230 volt domestic socket. This is faster with a wallbox: 8 hours with single-phase charging and 7.4 kW and 5 hours 15 minutes with three-phase charging at 11 kW. Charging is really quick when a 100 kW column is ready: The battery then sucks from 20 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. That corresponds to a range of 200 kilometers. Via Free2Move, Peugeot offers a charging card with access to 85,000 charging stations in Europe.
Peugeot
Keyword: Peugeot e-208: More range for the small electric car