Peugeot e-2008 Review

Read Caroline’s Peugeot e-2008 review for everything you need to know about Peugeot’s new mid-size electric SUV on sale in Ireland.

What’s so special about the e-2008?

With the new car market at its most receptive point ever for electric cars, Peugeot is a brand emerging as one to watch.

2020 saw the brand launch two all new electric models here – the Peugeot e-208 and Peugeot e-2008. Both are derivatives of two well very established Peugeot models in Ireland. The 208 and 2008 have many loyal fans around the country. You can tell by the visibility of these models on Irish roads.

Indeed the 2008 had developed arguably even more notoriety in the Irish market. It falls into the compact crossover segment with some serious style, space and practicality.

With Peugeot now developing multi energy platforms for new models that can support petrol, diesel and electric powertrains, there is a car for every lifestyle and budget. But an extended test drive in the new Peugeot e-2008 has brought me to the conclusion that electric is truly closer than you think.

When you are living with a car every day, doing all your somewhat normal routines, you do start to see the other side of the coin more clearly.

What’s so special about the Peugeot e-2008?

I have some history with the 2008. I’ve seen this car’s evolution as it was one of my first test cars when it came on the market in its first generation back in 2013, coinciding with my maiden journey into the automotive world.

We finally got the second generation of the car in 2020 and it bears all the trademarks of the revolution going on at Peugeot. The 2008 is so handsome in the metal and inside Peugeot moves on another step in their mission to move their brand upmarket.

The Peugeot e-2008 kicks off from €32,925 in Ireland including all relevant grants and VRT relief.

Peugeot has chosen a 50 kWh battery to power the e-2008. That gives 136 hp and a WLTP range of 310 km. On our test drive over 200 km was possible though the e-2008’s range was susceptible to things like how cold it was outside and how fast I was driving. Basically the slower you drive, the more miles you get!

What are my options?

The e-2008 is available in the same three trim levels – Active, Allure and GT – as the petrol and diesel versions of the 2008 so there is no compromising on kit should you wish to buy the e-2008. Standard equipment on the e-2008 Active includes 16” alloys, and automatic air conditioning with pre-heating functionality. There’s also electric and heated power folding door mirrors, rear parking sensors, i-Cockpit® with 3.5” instrument panel display reversing camera, traffic sign recognition, LED headlights and foglights, automatic emergency braking and active city brake. So a very well specced car indeed.

The e-2008 GT model I had on test retails from €36,745. Equipment highlights include heated front seats, 3D i-Cockpit® with 10”
colour touchscreen and 3D navigation, and front parking sensors. There’s also leather/cloth trim, lime green contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel, ambient lighting, and cosmetic updates including black roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler.

The e-2008 looks the exact same as the other models in the range. But it does have a beautiful unique body-coloured chequered flag effect grille. Similar to a petrol or diesel car, you open a flap on the rear side to access the charge ports. There is some subtle ‘e’ badging too. I like Peugeot’s strategy as there is no ‘weirdness’ to the e-2008. It’s simply just powered by an electric engine as opposed to a petrol or diesel one.

Inside the Peugeot e-2008

The theme continues inside. It’s the same switchgear from other models in the range. Great news because we also get the beautiful i-Cockpit arrangement – a digital instrument cluster with 3D effect on some of the higher trims where some of the information appears closer to you; a slick touchscreen to your left angled at the driver; and a compact steering wheel that feels so good in a compact car like the 2008. The stunning design and material finish gives the e-2008 an upmarket feel that makes this car one to watch.

Buyers will also love the practicality of the e-2008. It can seat five though it will be more comfortable for two in the back. Yet there are decent footwells in the rear for the class of vehicle. Because the e-2008 uses a bespoke platform, there has been no compromise to the space inside the vehicle or the boot compared to other models in the range. The boot has a capacity of 360 litres, though you will need to be careful about storing your charging leads to make the most of it.

On the road the Peugeot e-2008 is very impressive. It’s smooth and pleasant to drive, and very refined. Power output is 136 hp and there are also driving modes – Normal, Sport and Eco – which alter things slightly behind the wheel. The e-2008 has plenty of power and it’s very responsive to the accelerator. With experience behind the wheel of both the Peugeot 2008 diesel and the Peugeot 2008 petrol, I can say it’s remarkable how well Peugeot has incorporated the electric engine into the e-2008. It feels very natural. It’s only in enthusiastic cornering that you feel the extra weight on board. So agility only feels somewhat different. It’s easy to place through corners, the steering light and responsive.

Charging the Peugeot e-2008

The Peugeot e-2008 can be plugged in at home most effectively using a wallbox that can be installed, with grants available of up to €600 from the SEAI. With the standard 7 kW on-board charger for Type 2 AC charging, you will get a full charge in 7.5 hours. In this way charging becomes a way of life and you can leave your home confident with a full battery charge. There is also a CCS adaptor so you can make use of fast charging at motorway stations for example. The e-2008 can charge at up to 100 kW at high speed chargers, which can give 80% charge in just 30 mins.

The Peugeot e-2008 uses a 50 kWh battery. So while the official WLTP range is given at 310 km, in reality range will vary depending on your driving. Living in rural Ireland, my driving was a mixture of town, country and motorway. Over 200 km is possible in these circumstances. I performed all my journeys will little fuss. Of course the Level 5 restrictions meant I’m not on the road as much as I used to be. But I still think range anxiety is less of an issue with this new generation of electric vehicles.

Things of course can get a little trickier on more long distance journeys and intercounty travel when you might require a top-up. But once again I didn’t encounter any problems using the fast charge network.

Did you like it?

We’re not just reviewing an electric vehicle here; we’re also reviewing how well the e-2008 performs as a compact crossover.

Firstly, the new Peugeot e-2008 executes the compact SUV concept with a flourish that keeps it one of the most distinct of its class. Built to be practical and stylish, the new model will build on the success and customer base of the first. But with more maturity, refinement and style that makes it stand out, and the addition of the latest powertrain technology.

Inside buyers will find a well appointed cabin and a decent small family car with generous kneeroom and a practical boot.

The 2008 range kicks off in Ireland at €27,420, with the electric range priced from €32,925 including grants and VRT relief. Peugeot has done a remarkable job with the e-2008. The electric technology slips into this beautiful new model so seamlessly. It’s pleasant and serene to drive, and stands out for quality and design. An extra 100 km range would be nice for even more peace of mind. Though it certainly is not a deal breaker here.

More electric vehicles are coming to market, with plenty of competition. But the e-2008 does bring something different to the electric vehicle space.

One to watch

Peugeot’s first foray into electric is very successful. After driving all three versions of this compact crossover, the e-2008 really endeared itself to me. There is something very appealing about going for the most modern EV technology in the range.

Some readers may not have the facilities at home to charge or not be ready for the routine of plugging in their car or what can be a somewhat chequered experience when using the public charging system. But it’s nice to see experienced car manufacturers bringing more electric vehicles to market, with the values and expertise garnered over decades of car manufacture. And with Peugeot’s multi energy strategy, buyers will find exactly what they need in the new 2008 range.

Caroline Kidd

Model tested: Peugeot e-2008 GT
Price: €36,745
Battery: 50 kWh
Power: 136 hp
Torque: 300 Nm
0-100km/h:  9.0 seconds
Top speed: 150 km/h
Range (WLTP): 310 km
CO2 emissions (WLTP): 0 g/km
Motor Tax:  €120 per year