Peugeot will go toe-to-toe with its French rival Renault in the electric delivery van segment in a few months time.
After re-entering the commercial vehicle space a few years back, Peugeot has confirmed that the electric version of its Partner small van – dubbed E-Partner – will hit Australian showrooms in the first half of the year.
The E-Partner also marks Peugeot’s first EV model for the Australian market. It is working on a business case for the electric version of the 2008 SUV and the 208 light hatch, but nothing has been confirmed.
Renault is expected to launch the electric version of its delayed new-generation Kangoo van at a similar time, but specific launch timing for both models is unclear.
Peugeot Australia has not confirmed pricing, but it’s a fair bet that the single-grade E-Partner will be much pricier than the most expensive petrol-powered Partner that currently tops out at $40,878 before on-road costs.
The only other player in the small van category is the Volkswagen Caddy, and VW brass have previously confirmed the current-gen Caddy would not get a fully electric version. That’s because the upcoming ID Buzz Cargo will fill that gap in VW’s commercial vehicle line-up.
As reported, Mercedes-Benz is readying the new-gen Citan/T-Class twins – which are based heavily on the new Kangoo – for an Australian launch, but it’s unclear if that will include an electric version.
The E-Partner rides on Peugeot’s EMP2 modular platform and the Australian market will get the long-wheelbase version. Powering it is a 100kW/260Nm electric drivetrain, with a 50kWh lithium-ion battery.
It is expected to have a driving range of approximately 275km on the WLTP cycle – just under the 285km claim for the Renault Kangoo E-Tech – as well as a payload of up to 800kg and towing capacity of up to 750kg.
Peugeot says it will take about 30 minutes to charge from depleted to 80 power cent using a fast charger, five hours using an 11kW wall box charger and 31 hours using a household socket.
Keyword: Van wars! 2023 Peugeot E-Partner gets set to take on Renault Kangoo E-Tech, but what about electric car versions of Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen's vans?