Mane attraction
Peugeot’s e-2008 makes switching easier
LAST week, I told you about the Mokka-e, the electric version of Opel’s compact crossover. This Peugeot e2008 effectively is the same car under the metal, as are the Corsa-e, the DS3 Crossback E-Tense and the Citroën e-C4, since all now are part of Stellantis (see news briefs below).
The powertrain is effectively the same in all, with almost identical charging times and range, but the e-2008 scores on cabin refinement and space. It is marginally narrower than the Mokka-e, but it is longer, and that means more cargo space, with 434 litres available in the boot, and 1,467 litres with the rear bench folded.
It is taller too, and where that counts is that it looks more like an SUV, and in a good way. Indeed, at a quick glance, it doesn’t look greatly different to its 3008 big brother which, as I’ve told you more times that I care to remember, is one of my favourite cars.
The e-2008 obviously is smaller than the 3008, but the proportions and stance are much the same. The car sits on 17-inch Salamanca diamond-cut alloy wheels, and if you opt for roof rails, the overall SUV look is greatly enhanced.
The diamond grille comes in chrome, tipped with the body colour, in this case Orange Fusion, which certainly is eye-catching. The B Pillar (the bit between the front and rear windows) is gloss black, as are the grille surround and rear bumper, and this attention to detail makes the e-2008 a real looker.
AT the back, you also get the signature lion’s claw taillights, and up front the outgoing full lion logo, rather than the new company logo, the lion’s head only, that appears on the new 308.
The cabin is terrific. My test car came in Allure trim, and that means leather effect and cloth upholstery with stitch detailing. There’s a high centre console with twin cupholders, centre armrest with storage, passenger seat height adjustment as well as that for the driver, leather steering wheel (the lovely compact Peugeot one), electric handbrake, the now familiar i-Cockpit in 3D effect, dark tinted rear and tailgate windows, and a modular boot floor. For connectivity, there are four USB sockets, one of which is USB-C in the front.
Like all electric cars, the drive is smooth and noiseless, which can be a little off-putting. You always want to hear a bit of a roar, especially when there’s a lion involved, but there is none.
That said, there is no issue with acceleration, with seamless power delivered by the single speed transmission for a 0-100kph sprint of just nine seconds; you’d be astonished how much that annoys drivers of premium German cars when you scoot past them.
The handling is light and responsive, even though the car is roughly 300kg heavier than the petrol version thanks to the battery pack, though this also has the effect of lowering the centre of gravity for a feeling of great stability.
As for charging, you’ll get to 80% of battery capacity in half an hour at a 100kWh public charger. A full charge at home on a 7kWh wallbox will take seven and a half hours (overnight being the obvious time to do this), or 24 hours if you’re using a granny charger, ie a standard three-pin socket.
Range is advertised at 310km, but you’re going to get this only in city driving. Like all electric cars, the motorway is the enemy.
If you’re driving at the 120kph speed limit, and sending little energy back to the battery because you have an open road and don’t have to brake, you can expect range of around two-thirds that number, so plan longer trips accordingly and make sure you know where chargers are located.
I had a medical appointment in Enniscorthy the week I drove the e-2008 and was delighted to find a 50kWh ESB fast charger in the municipal car park on Parnell Road; there’s nothing nicer than returning to a car with a full battery when you actually have something to do, rather than hanging around drinking coffee or having a Big Mac at the motorway services (electric cars are bad for your weight, it has to be said).
At an entry-level price of just under 32 grand, the Peugeot e2008 is not cheap, so please do as I always recommend, and work out your mileage and electricity unit costs and compare them to your existing petrol or diesel.
If the sums are favourable and you make the decision to go electric, you’ll end up in a fine car indeed.