Peugeot: The small e makes the difference

The Peugeot e208 with a 50 kW/h battery does not differ visually from its classically powered counterparts. The new Group platform allows the installation of both systems.

Combustion engine or electric - the French can run the model off the production line that customers are ordering at the moment, so they can react quickly to changing demand. Same cockpit, same short selector lever in the center console, same arrangement of instruments.

The manufacturer gives a maximum range of 340 kilometers. In this respect, the direct switch from the 208 with gasoline engine to the exhaust-less Stromer hardly requires any getting used to.

Torque of 260 Newton meters
But the data makes the difference. The e208 consumes around 17 kW/h per 100 kilometers. Since there is up to 50 kW/h in the battery, there is no need to search for the next charging station via app for the planned distance of 100 kilometers. The lush torque of 260 Newton meters, which, as is well known, does not require waiting for high speeds in electric motors, is pure anticipation. The e208 sprints off silently, and the singing of the tires on the rough asphalt quickly becomes the dominant source of noise.

Battery ensures stable road holding
The heavy battery pack is hidden in the Peugeot's basement. Thanks to its low center of gravity, the 4.06-meter-long 208 sits much more firmly on the road than its gasoline or diesel siblings, and its precise steering enables stable maneuvering around the numerous curves.

It's not about romping around, but smoothly progressing at around 70 km/h. If it's slightly uphill, the Frenchman has to show performance and can't take refuge in the occasional roll like on the flat and conserve its resources.

Fast drivers lose range
The small climate saver sends 100 kW (136 hp) to the front wheels and offers all the driving fun that an electric car has to offer. If you want to leave a small truck traveling at 70 km/h behind you before you reach the next town sign, you'll certainly gain two minutes. But you pay for the 300-meter sprint with a good five kilometers less range. The same applies to highway excursions. The e208 can reach 150 km/h, but it feels more comfortable at 120 km/h with regard to the battery.

Recuperation not changeable
In the e208, by the way, the driver is relieved of the mental work, but is still challenged with the braking work. Unlike other cars in its class, the degree of recuperation (energy recovery) cannot be changed. In many e-models, the deceleration can be set to such a high level that the brake pedal can remain largely unused.

Timing and type of charging station
Recharging also needs to be learned, although the process itself is simple. However, the timing must take the type of charging station into account. The e208 can charge up to 100 kW at the still rare charging stations and then disconnect again after 30 minutes with an 80 percent full battery. At charging stations with 11 kW, the owner has to be patient for five hours; at home, at the household socket, the Stromer is at a standstill for a whole day.

Swiss prices start at 34,350 Swiss francs.

Source: kfz-betrieb
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