Peugeot e-208 51 kWh

Overview

The Peugeot e-208 is a super-stylish electric supermini that has taken Europe by storm, and this 51 kWh version is the pick of the bunch. It packs a solid punch of style, efficiency, and city-friendly fun. While it’s a shame this chic hatchback isn't officially sold stateside, it represents a compelling vision of what a premium small EV can be. Its sharp "lion's claw" lighting and sophisticated cabin set it apart from more utilitarian rivals. If available, it would compete with the Mini Cooper SE, but offer more practicality and a distinctly French flair.

What's New for 2025?

The 2025 model year marks the final run for this updated e-208, which received its major refresh in 2023. The big news is the powertrain itself: a more efficient 115 kW (about 154 hp) motor paired with this larger, more energy-dense 51 kWh battery pack. This combination boosts both power and range over the original version. The refresh also brought Peugeot's latest front-end styling, featuring the triple-claw light signature and new emblem, keeping this little hatch looking razor-sharp and modern right to the end of its production cycle.

Design & Exterior

This thing has serious curb appeal. The e-208 boasts an aggressive, sporty stance with its signature "saber-tooth" DRLs and triple-claw LED taillights. The design is a fantastic blend of sharp creases and muscular curves, making it a real head-turner. Measuring a tidy 159.6 inches long and 69.5 inches wide, it’s perfectly sized for zipping through city traffic and snagging tight parking spots. The gloss black wheel arches and distinctive grille pattern complete a look that feels far more premium than its compact, 56.3-inch-tall frame suggests.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside and you’re greeted by Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, a driver-focused layout with a small steering wheel and a high-set digital instrument cluster that feels futuristic and sporty. Material quality is surprisingly high, with soft-touch plastics and stylish trim pieces that punch above their weight. While cozy, it seats five. The centerpiece is a slick touchscreen with smartphone mirroring. Cargo space is city-car typical at 10.9 cubic feet, but folding the seats down opens up a useful 39.5 cubic feet for bigger hauls. There's no frunk, however.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its size fool you; this little hatch is properly zippy. The front-wheel-drive setup is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor kicking out 115 kW (about 154 hp) and a healthy 192 lb-ft of instant torque. That’s enough grunt to scoot from 0-60 mph in a brisk 7.9 seconds, making it perfect for darting through gaps in traffic. It feels nimble and agile thanks to its compact size and low center of gravity. The ride is composed, soaking up bumps well for a small car.

Range, Battery & Charging

The heart of this e-208 is its 48.1 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of about 219 miles on a full charge, with an excellent efficiency of 4.55 mi/kWh. For charging, it would use a CCS Type 1 port if sold in the US. At home on a Level 2 charger, its standard 7.4 kW on-board unit can deliver a full charge overnight. On the road, it can pull a maximum of 100 kW at a DC fast charger, juicing the battery from 10-80% in around 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the Peugeot e-208 has not been tested by the NHTSA, its European counterpart has a solid safety record. It comes equipped with a competitive suite of driver-assistance features. Standard kit typically includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims or optional packages add goodies like adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality, active lane positioning, and blind-spot monitoring, bringing big-car safety tech to this stylish supermini.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If Peugeot were to sell the e-208 in the US, its warranty would likely align with other Stellantis brands. Expect a basic limited warranty of around 3 years/36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles. Crucially, the high-voltage battery would be covered by a federally mandated 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, protecting against significant degradation. As a pure EV, maintenance is minimal, focusing on tires, brakes, and cabin filters, making long-term ownership costs predictably low compared to a gas-powered equivalent.