By adapting the 100% electric powertrain of the 208 in its Partner, Peugeot is clearly targeting the market for professionals carrying out urban missions and “last mile” deliveries, especially in this Asphalt version.
Test car: Peugeot e-Partner Standard Asphalt
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From€ 32,250
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A little less than a year after its big brother the Expert and three years after its launch, it is the Partner’s turn to go electric. Externally, only the specific logos and the absence of an exhaust can distinguish this electric version from its thermal equivalents. The charging socket is in fact hidden in the fuel filler flap. With this model, Peugeot continues to develop its range of electric utility vehicles after the launch of the e-Expert and pending the marketing of the e-Boxer at the end of the year.
The traction chain is the same as that of the e-Expert van. The 50 kWh battery is located in the floor, which provides the same useful volume as the thermal version, i.e. 3.3 m3 in standard version (3.8 m3 with modular partition) and 3.9 m3 in long version (4.4 m3 with the modular partition). On the other hand, although based on the version with reinforced payload (1000 kg on thermals), the e-Partner has a maximum payload of only 800 kg on the short version L1 (4.40 m) and 750 kg for the long version L2 (4.75 m), against 950 kg in thermal. Blame it on the batteries.
Price, range and recharging
The e-Partner range is modeled on that of thermals: paneled van in two lengths (L1 and L2) and deep cab (only on the long version). The prices of electric models are significantly higher than those of their thermal equivalents: count 9,000 to 10,000 € excl. Tax more depending on the model. The urban-oriented Asphalt finish is only available in L1 and is characterized by its numerous comfort and safety equipment. It includes air conditioning, 3D connected navigation with voice recognition, an 8-inch touch screen, electrically folding mirrors or even Surround Rear Vision including two cameras (one for the rear view, the other for the surveillance of the blind spot on the passenger side and the digital rearview mirror). Not to mention enhanced soundproofing, which is naturally less important in the electric version. At € 32,250 excluding VAT (excluding the € 5,000 bonus), the Asphalt e-Partner is priced at € 9,550 excluding VAT more expensive than the 100 hp diesel, the only thermal engine available in the same finish.
The 50 kWh battery offers a range of 275 km in the WLTP combined cycle. As standard, the e-Partner is equipped with an AC charger with a power of 7.4 kW, but it is possible as an option (340 € HT) to have one of 11 kW. The Peugeot electric van also accepts fast direct current charging with a power of 100 kW, allowing recharging from 0 to 80% in 1 h 10 on a suitable terminal.
At the wheel of the electric Partner
The Peugeot Partner has always distilled great driving pleasure. The electric version has all the advantages, plus silence, when the e-Expert is characterized by numerous electrical noises when starting. All you have to do is select the “speed” on the P, R, N, D selector and release the parking brake (electric on all e-Partners). Position B, for Brake, increases regeneration when braking and lifting the foot. Very efficient, this mode allows strong decelerations without going to a complete stop. With a little practice, the brakes are only used for a complete stop.
Three modes: Eco, Normal and Power, make it possible to obtain respective powers of 80 hp, 110 hp and 136 hp. In all cases, the maximum speed is 130 km / h. In Normal or Power mode, the acceleration is very convincing; 130 km / h can be quickly reached and then maintained. The reminders are just as pleasant. The installation of the batteries in the floor makes it possible to have a low center of gravity, to the benefit of maneuverability. The curve placement is precise despite a certain feeling of weight in the steering wheel, and the suspensions erase the irregularities of the asphalt well. The comfort is also of a very good level, both empty and loaded.
On board
Competetion
After the discontinuation of the Nissan e-NV200 and pending the triplet Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech, Mercedes eCitan and Nissan Townstar electric, whose marketing should take place in early 2022, the only competitors of the e-Partner are to be found within the Stellantis group. The e-Partner is currently only facing the e-Berlingo and the Opel Combo-e Cargo. These very close technical cousins have the same performance, the same battery capacity and the same carrying capacities. These two models are available from € 30,500 excl. Tax and € 29,490 excl. They do not have the i-cockpit but can be fitted with an additional glove box above the dashboard or the head-up display.
Find the test report, the technical sheet and all the equipment prices on the next page …