Supertest – Peugeot e-208 (2022): measuring consumption, autonomy and performance

She is the queen of electric cars in France. The Peugeot e-208, which was recently modified technically, promises greater autonomy and versatility. We pass it to Supertest.

Before passing under the Stellantis banner, the PSA group began its race toward full electric, despite the reluctance of some of its leaders. And so the Peugeot e-208 reached the market, opening a new custom platform and an unprecedented 100% electric mechanism, shared with many other cars within the range. Its mission, not least: to cut the grass under the wheels of the Renault ZOE, the most famous electric car in France.

And the trade shows have been around since the very popular electric city car took first place in the rankings in the first half, with a total volume of 9,712 registrations. The Dacia Spring, the most expensive electric car, comes in the back with 9,203 units. But what is it really worth down the road? Answer with our Supertest.

Offer Peugeot e-208

Technology

The Peugeot e-208 is based on the e-CMP platform developed by PSA and has had a unique engine since its inception. It is powered by a front electric motor of 136 hp (100 kW) with a torque of 260 Nm. But note that this cavalry is only available with Sport mode, while it takes 110 hp with Normal (the default at every start and we’ll use it during this test), or 82 hp in Economy. This allows it to aim from 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h in terms of comparable performance.

Under the floor there is a battery with a total capacity of 50 kWh, including a useful 46 kWh. This is enough to limit the versatility of a city car, which technically cannot afford a more generous unit. However, the efficiency will be there as it now promises 362 km of autonomy under the WLTP standard. The value was revised up (+25 km) recently thanks to a modified reducer, better ventilation control thanks to a new moisture sensor on the windshield and some software revision.

On the charging side, the characteristics remain with an internal charger of 7.4 kW in continuous AC charging, and a maximum power of 100 kW in continuous charging. According to the manufacturer, it takes a minimum of 7 hours 30 minutes for a full tank on a slow station and 30 minutes to restore 80% of autonomy on a fast station.

All our Peugeot e-208 consumption measurements

Mixed autonomy: 301 km

Small and lightweight (1,455 kg according to the technical sheet), the Peugeot e-208 quickly demonstrates its beneficial properties when it comes to increased consumption. Especially in this test configuration offered by the manufacturer, in Allure finish, which, if it does not have the sulfur look of the GT line, is based on 16-inch Elborn rims and Michelin e-Primacy tires. Note also that the temperature during these tests was very favorable with 22°C on the thermometer and no wind.

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In the city, its favorite stadium, the e-208 averaged 13.3 kWh / 100 km. This is about as good as the MG 5 in the same course, allowing it to target 346 km of range in these conditions. On the road, we noticed a consumption of 14.4 kWh / 100 km, while the appetite rose to 18.1 kWh / 100 km on the highway.

In the end, the Peugeot e-208 provided an average consumption of 15.3 kW / 100 km. It is one of the lowest levels we have been able to record so far, allowing it to recognize a mixed autonomy according to our 301 km protocol. A somewhat correct score, as it represents a 16.95% decrease compared to the average WLTP.

Long distance on the highway: 221 km

If it shows excellent results on a mixed track and on a daily pace, then the Peugeot e-208 shows its weaknesses more quickly during long highway trips. It proves once again that the electric car is struggling to break out of its comfort zone and the field of use for which it was imagined: more than ever, the city car is struggling on the highway. It is difficult to say that the average observed consumption of 20.8 kWh / 100 km is high. In absolute terms, it still remains intriguing, although some of you might say it performs a lot like the much larger and heavier Tesla Model Y. But in relative terms, the autonomy is about 36.2% higher, which is consistent with one of the largest differences we were able to observe.

Thanks to its small battery, this translates to a total average range of 221 km on our reference road, or 155 km with a useful full load of 80-10%. In detail, we note a consumption of 19.1 kWh / 100 km that exceeds the Leon, and a maximum of 22.1 kWh / 100 km on a stage that absorbs it exclusively at 130 km / h. It will then be necessary to be careful, especially since the e-208 provides only a non-linear estimate of residual autonomy, not a percentage scale (not available with classic devices of this version).

Peugeot e-208 instant fuel consumption

Still in our full study of consumption, we also took readings at almost instantaneous constant speeds. At 110 km/h, the e-208 delivered an appetite of 17.1 kW/100 km, or 269 km of autonomy. At 130 km / h, the consumption rises to 22.1 kW / 100, which corresponds to our measurements during our long journey. The total range difference between these two speeds is 61 km, which cannot be neglected in a car with such a short range on the highway.

Divisions: a record on the road

Peugeot e-208 is capable of worse and better. Again, not that its highway consumption is fictitious in absolute terms, but it does feel more comfortable at lower speeds, especially on the highly preferred track. However, she set a record on our way by completing the exercise at 11.1 kWh/100 km. A record in our division, and by far: the MG 5 was ahead until then with a reading of 12.6 kWh/100 km. This theoretically allows it to strive for a range of up to 414 kilometers at best. On the contrary, on a 50 km flat highway section which is our benchmark for this workshop, the consumption rose to 21.7 kWh/100 km.

The consumption gap is large, because it allows 48.85% more in the least favorable case. The autonomy then is twice as large (95.5%), which is one of the largest differences we were able to measure.

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Peugeot e-208 . performance

The Peugeot e-208 was equipped at the front with a 136 (100 kW) engine. But this is only available with Sport mode, which hardly improves performance with 0.3 seconds better at 80-120 km/h at an equivalent charge rate. It’s okay, but not necessarily better than what has been done elsewhere. On the other hand, the declared power is never fixed in a city car, and it decreases significantly as the available load decreases. From a cruising time of 5.80 seconds at 80-120 km/h, he moved to 14.93 seconds at about 10% load, without showing any stability in his performance!

Also, we were able to put the Peugeot e-208 on the clock with our new GPS meter. A new method we will keep with all the electric cars that will pass the Supertest from now on, and more. With an 80% charge available, the city car went from 0-100 km/h in 8.38 seconds. and 400m DA in 16.32sec.

However, the sensations are present with a satisfying response, although the cartoonish liveliness of the throttle in Sport mode is less pleasant when the speed is relaxed. It is used only rarely. A small steering wheel comes in handy when driving a well-sharpened chassis, giving the city car a smile with its dynamic behavior. So much so that we can even imagine having frames from the top range. in dry. Because when the road is wet, its limits are quickly reached and the front axle is quickly lost. If it provides a B position in which we can claim more deceleration power, we often take the brakes with the e-208. Unfortunately, the pedal consistency is no more convincing with the frequency between regenerative and mechanical braking, and then causes the control stroke to oscillate.

Comfort and life on board

With more chassis than an engine (even if it’s not worth it), the Peugeot e-208 excels where it’s expected: in the city. The smooth ride is there and the damping is well calibrated, especially with these little wheels. Plus, the steering and its steering angle work amazingly well. Driving pleasure is also found on roads and highways, which we appreciate is soundproofed, making it among the quietest in our section.

Once you find a good driving position, but above all the correct adjustment of the steering wheel so as not to obscure the view towards the counters, the comfort seems satisfactory. It is also important to consider long flights on the plane, although its measured autonomy will allow you to stretch your legs a lot. But it is above all a city car, and offers little space on board. When the front passengers are comfortable, those in the back can suffocate. Also, with a volume of 311 liters, the trunk is very narrow: with 102 cm between the rear wheel arches, the electric scooter could not fit there!

Peugeot e-208 Super Test: results

The Peugeot e-208 excels in the exercise it was designed for: to face everyday life in the city. Light, easy to manage and quiet, it offers a decent average battery life all week long. The true qualities of an electric city car, along with the fun driving pleasure. But the praise stops there as its versatility is quickly limited, both in terms of habitability and autonomy outside of cities. Because if consumption is always low, a small battery does not allow you to venture far without a lump in your stomach. Anxiety is heightened by a hard-to-understand scale, and the absence of a flight planner on the plane. The points that we will raise in the second part of this super test dedicated to freight and long trips.

The cost of testing the Peugeot e-208 in the Allure is 34,230 euros with sufficient equipment, although less tempting than the high-end GT, but much more expensive. The tone is right at the heart of the segment, and ultimately not too far from the equivalent Renault ZOE, it’s less fun to drive but more livable.