After its electric city car Peugeot e-208, it’s now the turn of its e-2008 SUV derivative to enter the emerging market for battery-powered electric vehicles. Just like the 208, Peugeot gives customers the option to choose between petrol, diesel, and electric, but it’s the latter that interests us today.
Article written by Alexandre Lenoir
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Since its creation in 2013, the Peugeot 2008 has changed its identity several times, first moving towards crossover styling, semi-SUV station wagon, to pseudo SUV thanks to a refresh in 2016, and then to a fully-fledged SUV since 2019 with the launch of this second generation. Unlike its main French competitor, the Renault Captur, which opts for Plug-in Hybrid technology for its electrification, the Peugeot e-2008 is 100% electric. For the rest, differentiating a thermal 2008 from an electric return is a game of seven differences. Aside from a few cosmetic details and the absence of an exhaust pipe at the rear, both versions are identical on the outside.
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Summary
- Technical specifications of the Peugeot e-2008
- Price, models, and availability
- Dashboard, Peugeot revises its i-Cockpit
- Center console, only the larger versions available
- Compatible with fast charging up to 100 kW
- Driving modes, Peugeot relies on simplicity
- Level 2 autonomous driving
- Consumption around 14 kWh/100 km
- e-2008, high prices
Technical specifications of the Peugeot e-2008
| Peugeot e-2008 | |
|---|---|
| Motor | electric |
| Power | 136 hp |
| Torque | 260 Nm at 0 rpm (SPORT mode) |
| Traction battery | 46 kWh usable |
| Range (WLTP) | 330 km |
| Charger | 7.4 kW (11 kW optional) |
| Charging time – 11 kW three-phase wall box | 5h00 |
| Charging time – 7.4 kW single-phase wall box | 7h30 |
| Fast charging Combo CCS 100 kW | 80% in 30 minutes |
| Trims | Active, Allure, GT Line, GT, Active Business, Allure Business |
| Price | starting from 37,100 euros, excluding bonuses |
Price, models, and availability
Launched in January 2020, the e-2008 is expected to see the first deliveries start in April. However, the Coronavirus pandemic could throw everything into question. Models equipped with the 11 kW charger are not expected to be operational before July, at the earliest.
The vehicle is available in the following 6 trims:
- e-2008 Active at €37,100 . It includes the following features: radio with 7-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, keyless start, automatic high beam switching, cruise control/speed limiter, level crossing warning, electric parking brake, automatic emergency braking with collision warning, speed limit recognition warning panel, driver attention camera control.
- e-2008 Allure at €38,700 . Standard features include single-zone automatic climate control, rear parking graphics and sound aids, roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a rearview camera.
- E-2008 GT Line at €41,200. Standard equipment includes: automatic emergency braking day and night (camera and radar), connected 3D navigation with 10-inch HD touchscreen, 2 Full LED headlights with 3-pin signature, automatic high/low beam switching, LED turn signals, Visio Park 1 system with rearview camera and front and rear parking assistance (graphic and sound), front console USB ports (1 for Type A transfer, 1 Type C charge), 2 high console USB ports (2 Type A charges), glossy black rear spoiler.
- e-2008 GT at €43,000 . This model comes standard with: gray alcantara upholstery with blue and green stitching, specific 18-inch wheels, autonomous driving (level 2), active blind spot monitoring system, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, Pack Drive Assist Plus, keyless proximity start allowing automatic unlocking and locking of doors.
- e-2008 Active Business at €37,900 . The equipment of this model is the same as that of the Active, to which we must add LED fog lights with cornering function, graphic and sound support for rear parking.
- e-2008 Allure Business at €39,700 . It has the same equipment as the Allure model, while benefiting from Visio Park 1, keyless start with 2 three-button remotes, single-zone automatic climate control, and connected 3D navigation with a 10-inch HD touchscreen.
Dashboard, Peugeot revises its i-Cockpit
Dashboard, Peugeot revises its i-CockpitLet’s start by opening the door and getting inside. For those who have already settled into the seat of a recent Peugeot, it is impossible to feel in an unfamiliar territory. In front of the eyes, the i-Cockpit (now with 3D suffix) is the operator’s control panel. For the record, it consists of a small flat double wheel, almost single-seater racing style, and an instrument panel (here digital) with two superimposed screens to create a three-dimensional display effect placed in the upper position. We join… or not! Indeed, depending on body types, this arrangement proves perfect or uncomfortable. 
In some cases, the steering wheel rim is positioned in front of the instrumentation, preventing the reading of certain information. For those for whom the arrangement suits, the efficiency of this instrumentation must be highlighted. As we saw when we had the opportunity to test the Peugeot e-208, the 3D effect emerging from the alerts could reduce the driver’s reaction time by up to a second, which is significant.
Center console, only the larger versions available
Now, let’s look to the right where the center console is located, simply copied and pasted from the 208 in detail. Only the 7 and 10-inch touchscreen versions have been retained, with the smaller one not being offered here. Below, as on the 208, you will find the piano and touch buttons that control all the car’s functions, as well as two USB connectors (one Type A and one Type C), Qi induction charging, and a foldable smart smartphone holder. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirroLink replication is standard, via a USB-A connector only.
At the back, the seats are a bit more welcoming than in the small 208, and with its 435 liters, the trunk offers a decent capacity.
Compatible with fast charging up to 100 kW
The construction of the e-2008 range also differs slightly from that of the e-208. The e-2008 certainly has the same electric motor of 100 kW (136 hp) and 260 Nm of torque, but it shares the GT badge with the 155 hp thermal petrol version, which is not available on the 208. For the technical part, it is the same, including the 50 kWh battery (usable capacity of 46 kWh) and compatibility with fast charging stations up to 100 kW.
The electric version e-2008 also presents some differences in equipment compared to the thermal version: for example, the high-end Focal audio system is not available (unfortunately!), as well as the Grip-Control traction control, which is not available with this power mode.
Driving modes, Peugeot relies on simplicity
Once the ignition is turned on, the READY indication displayed on the dashboard invites us to switch the power switch to D, as in Drive. No gearbox — we are in electric — but also no paddle to manage the regeneration of B mode (brake, brake) as found on many competitors. Here, it’s all or nothing. According to Peugeot, the choice was for a simple solution for the driver.
However, while B mode forces engine braking, it does not allow pressing the mechanical brake at the end of the brake, unlike some competing devices. This is not a flaw, but it is a pity that manufacturers have not agreed on a unique technology that could favor the understanding of electricity. It is also with this argument of simplicity that the brand explains the absence of a true freewheel in the lift, but an interesting device to preserve the battery — and thus the range — of an electric vehicle.
Three driving modes are available: ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT. The transition from the most economical to the most dynamic comes with an increase in torque and maximum power available at each stage. For the city, ECO mode is quite sufficient, knowing that SPORT mode (which allows 136 hp and 260 Nm of torque) will significantly reduce the range if you press a little too hard on the accelerator.
Level 2 autonomous driving
On the road, the chassis settings contain a relatively good battery overweight (300 additional kilos). Their positioning under the floor, which favors and lowers the center of gravity, is obviously not unrelated. The car is pleasant, easy, even firmer than its thermal sister.
The new manufacturer’s obsession, namely driving aids, has also crossed the e-2008. The list of various electronic aids it is equipped with is relatively complete and modeled on that of the latest productions of the brand. To make it concise: nothing is missing, allowing the car to claim a level 2 on the autonomy of driving balance. 
Consumption around 14 kWh/100 km
Despite all these qualities, you will need to be able to contain your “urge to play”: like its little sister e-208, the tendency observed to quickly drain the car’s battery is confirmed, as is the difficulty of regaining some precious percentage of charge by regenerating at the foot. While the standard consumption of the car is around 14 kWh/100 km, this figure is not the easiest to achieve.
During our various driving sessions, conducted at a rather moderate pace, we used more than 17 to 19 kWh/100 km, but it’s true with very few urban routes, more favorable to this type of technology. Ultimately, the e-2008 can claim a range of 200 to 350 km, depending on driving conditions and driving style.
e-2008, high prices
It remains to be seen who the e-2008 is for, an SUV, but not 4×4, spacious, but not suitable for family trips due to somewhat fair range, economical to use, but expensive to buy. Without a doubt, it will rarely be the first car in the household unless all the criteria that make it a relevant choice are met. On the other hand, as a second vehicle for daily commutes, including peri-urban trips, it is a car that will not disappoint its owner. We still need to be able to afford this luxury: with a starting price of 37,100 euros (from which we will deduct 6,000 euros in bonuses, but add the essential home charging system) and up to 43,000 euros for the GT version, this pretty little French SUV makes its charms costly.
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