Peugeot e-208: X-ray analysis of the electric supermini

The Peugeot e-208 was one of the first electric cars from the Stellantis group. Arriving in 2019, it received good reviews right from the start, establishing itself as a zero-emission best seller in more than one European market.

In the past year, it has undergone a major restyling. Aesthetically, certainly, but also under the skin. Alongside the 136 bhp versions, in fact, a GT version debuts with a more powerful engine and a new battery that also guarantees greater autonomy.

Dimensions and platform

The Peugeot e-208 is based on the e-CMP platform, which is the zero-emission variant of the CMP platform that underpins so many of the group's models such as the Citroen C4, DS3 Crossback, Opel Corsa and Mokka, Peugeot 2008, Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600, Lancia Ypsilon and Alfa Romeo Junior.

It was precisely the adoption of a platform born combustion that forced the engineers to make some compromises in the layout. Nothing that would undermine habitability, but the battery, instead of being composed of a single rectangular block, is 'spread out' in the lower part and occupies the space created by the absence of components such as the petrol tank or the gearbox.

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The e-CMP platform of the Peugeot e-208

Regarding dimensions, the car, like its internal combustion sibling, is 4.06 metres long, 1.75 metres wide, and 1.43 metres high, with a wheelbase of 2.54 metres. Available with a single battery pack and front-wheel drive only, the e-208 weighs 1,530 kg.

• Length: 4.06 metres
• Width: 1.75 metres
• Height: 1.43 metres
• Wheelbase: 2.54 metres
• Weight: 1,530 kg

Space on board

The positioning of the battery at the bottom and the possibility of concentrating the engine, inverter and all the components dedicated to the powertrain under the front bonnet have allowed the Peugeot e-208 not to sacrifice interior roominess and not to lose a single litre of luggage compartment capacity (309 litres which, by folding down the rear sofa, reaches 1,163 litres).

Like every B-segment, the car has two comfortable front seats and allows two adults to travel in the second row without too much sacrifice. It's a different story if three people are in the back. But the sacrifices are those required of all cars in this category.

• Luggage compartment: 309-1,163 litres
• Frunk: n.d.

Software

Getting on board, the Peugeot e-208 offers an evolved version of the i-Cockpit, a must for the House of the Lion that was first proposed with this model.

Unlike cars like the e-3008 and e-5008, there is still no 'panoramic' version on this tech with a single curved panel containing the instrument cluster and infotainment, but two separate displays are still adopted.

Like all modern cars of the brand, the car is equipped with an i-Conect Advanced infotainment system managed through a 10-inch toucscreen that has been revised in graphics for a better user experience. It is compatible with over-the-air updates, but these only affect the entertainment part and not the powertrain.

Battery and range

Speaking of powertrain, the Peugeot e-208 is offered in two variants. The first, the debut one (updated slightly in 2021), has a 50 kWh gross/45 kWh net battery and a 136 bhp motor. The second - Peugeot e-208 GT - on the other hand has a 156 bhp motor (this is that of the larger e-3008 and e-5008) and a 51 kWh battery.

Speaking of consumption, the 136 bhp model has a range of 225 miles, while the 156 bhp version has a range of 248 miles.

Charging

Different batteries, same charging speed. The Peugeot e-208 has a maximum DC input power of 100 kW. This means that, when plugged into a high-power charger, it takes around 25 minutes to go from 20 per cent to 80 per cent.

As standard, the car is fitted with a 7.4 kW single-phase charger, which also allows charging in alternating current. A more powerful 11 kW charger can be chosen as an option, which can be a viable alternative if you have AC charging points with the same or higher power.

Prices

The Peugeot e-208 is sold in the UK in two trim levels. Both can be had with both the less and more powerful electric motors, but differ in equipment. Prices start at £28,905 for the Allure and £31,055 for the GT.