Peugeot e-208 50 kWh

Overview

The 2021 Peugeot e-208 with its 50 kWh battery was a supermini stunner, bringing French flair to the electric city car game. Though never officially gracing US shores, this compact EV, produced from 2020 to 2021 for the European market, packed a visual punch with its sharp 'lion-look' and a surprisingly zesty drive. Think of it as Europe's stylish answer to a fun, eco-friendly urban runabout. With no official US sales, pricing here is purely speculative, but it offered a compelling package for those across the pond seeking a chic, zero-emission hatchback.

What's New for 2021?

For its 2021 model year, which was also the final year for this initial 50 kWh configuration, the Peugeot e-208 saw mostly subtle refinements rather than a major overhaul. Think ongoing software tweaks aimed at optimizing efficiency and perhaps some minor trim adjustments across the lineup. The core package of stylish design, the innovative i-Cockpit, and its nimble electric powertrain remained the star attractions. Any significant updates regarding range or charging performance came in later model years after this specific version was discontinued, keeping the 2021 model a consistent offering from its 2020 debut.

Design & Exterior

This little lion roars with style! The 2021 e-208 50 kWh boasts a properly head-turning design, featuring those signature 'sabre-tooth' LED daytime running lights and a distinctive body-colored chequered grille specific to the EV. It’s compact yet aggressive. Measuring 159.6 inches long, 69.5 inches wide (mirrors tucked), and 56.3 inches tall, it’s perfectly sized for city antics. The 'e' badging and sleek alloy wheels (typically 16-inch on many 50kWh trims) complete its chic, modern European supermini look. You certainly wouldn’t lose this in a parking lot!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit immediately grabs you – a tiny steering wheel with a cool 3D digital instrument cluster perched above. Material quality is pretty snazzy for a supermini, with interesting textures and a modern vibe. It seats five, though the rear is best for kids or short trips. Cargo wise, you get a practical 9.4 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 39.1 cubic feet with the seats down. No frunk here, sadly. A central touchscreen (often 7-inch) handles infotainment, usually with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its size fool you; this e-208 is a nippy performer! The 50 kWh model zips from 0-60 mph in a respectable 7.8 seconds, thanks to its front-wheel-drive setup powered by a 100 kW (around 134 hp) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivering a punchy 192 lb-ft of instant torque. It’s a hoot to drive in town, feeling agile and responsive, with the small steering wheel adding to the go-kart sensation. Ride comfort is generally good for its class, and selectable regenerative braking modes, including a stronger 'B' mode, help recoup energy efficiently.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2021 e-208 50 kWh packs a 46.3 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 183 miles – decent for city commuting and errands, with an efficiency of 3.95 mi/kWh. For US shores, it would sport a CCS Type 1 port. AC charging maxes out at a standard 7.4 kW, meaning a full top-up overnight in around 7-8 hours. When you hit a DC fast charger, it can gulp down electrons at up to 101 kW, juicing the battery from near empty to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the 2021 Peugeot e-208 wasn't tested by the NHTSA (as it wasn't sold stateside), it earned a solid 4-star rating from Euro NCAP. For driver assistance, it typically came equipped with essentials like Active Safety Brake (automatic emergency braking), lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were often available, either as options or on higher-spec versions within the 50 kWh battery range, helping you navigate the urban jungle with a bit more confidence. Always check specifics, as equipment varied.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Though not sold new in the US, if it were, you’d expect warranty coverage similar to Peugeot's European offerings. This typically includes a basic vehicle warranty for around 3 years or 60,000 miles and a separate powertrain warranty. Critically, the high-voltage battery usually gets an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. EVs generally require less maintenance than their gas counterparts, focusing on tires, brakes, and coolant, but official complimentary maintenance plans weren't a widespread Peugeot standard in Europe at the time.