Peugeot iOn Gen 1

Overview

The 2020 Peugeot iOn Gen 1 was a quirky, compact electric city car, essentially wrapping up its decade-long production run. Think of it as a friendly urban runabout, a sibling to the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. While never officially sold new in the US, its ultra-compact dimensions and zero-emission powertrain made it a pioneer in the early EV scene in Europe. For US folks curious about these, any would be a grey import or a very niche used find, with pricing highly variable and not officially tracked from the provided data. It's a basic, no-frills EV experience.

What's New for 2020?

For 2020, the Peugeot iOn Gen 1 was essentially a carry-over model, marking the end of its impressive ten-year lifecycle which began in 2010. No significant updates or flashy new features were rolled out for its final bow as production concluded in 2020. Instead, it represented the last chance to grab one of these pioneering, if somewhat dated by then, electric city slickers. The focus was more on its legacy as one of the first mass-produced EVs rather than groundbreaking tech for its final model year. It remained true to its simple, efficient, urban-focused roots.

Design & Exterior

The iOn Gen 1 rocks a distinctive, tall, and narrow "bubble car" design, perfect for nipping through tight city streets. It's undeniably compact, measuring just 136.8 inches long, a slender 58.1 inches wide (excluding mirrors!), and standing 63.3 inches tall. Its almost cartoonish, friendly face and super-short overhangs make parking a doddle. While not a head-turner for aggressive styling, its unique, space-efficient form built on a 100.4-inch wheelbase is its key charm. This final Gen 1 keeps that iconic, super-compact hatchback silhouette that’s all about urban practicality from its Japanese manufacturing base.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside the 2020 Peugeot iOn, it's a lesson in functional simplicity. You get seating for four, though rear legroom is best for shorter trips or kids. Materials are durable rather than plush, fitting its city-car mission. Cargo-wise, there’s a modest 5.9 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a more usable 30.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded – handy for city errands! No frunk is available, as per the specs. Tech is basic; think a simple radio and essential gauges. No fancy touchscreens or standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto here, reflecting its early-2010s origins.

Performance & Driving Experience

Under the skin, the iOn Gen 1 features a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) driving the rear wheels, delivering 49 kW (around 66 hp) and a useful 145 lb-ft of instant torque. This makes it surprisingly zippy off the line, ideal for city traffic, though the 0-60 mph dash is a more relaxed 15.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 81 mph. The RWD layout and compact size give it a brilliantly tight turning circle, making urban maneuvering a breeze. Expect a straightforward, if not thrilling, driving experience focused on efficiency.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2020 iOn Gen 1 is equipped with a 14.5 kWh usable battery pack (16 kWh nominal). Green Cars Compare's calculated real-world range estimate is about 62 miles, making it best suited for city commuting, with an efficiency of 4.28 mi/kWh. For charging, the standard 3.7 kW on-board AC charger using a Type 1 (J1772) port (relevant for US compatibility) will refill the battery in roughly 4-5 hours. It also supports DC fast charging at up to 50 kW via its CHAdeMO port, enabling an 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions on its 400V architecture.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While specific NHTSA ratings are unavailable as it wasn't sold in the US, its sibling vehicle achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, indicating a good structural safety design for its time. The 2020 Peugeot iOn Gen 1 comes with essential safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC). However, reflecting its older platform, it doesn't offer advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or blind-spot monitoring, which are common in newer EVs. It’s designed for basic, safe urban travel.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As the 2020 Peugeot iOn Gen 1 was discontinued and primarily sold in the EU market, standard US warranty information isn't directly applicable. In Europe, vehicles like this typically came with a basic vehicle warranty (e.g., 2-3 years) and a longer battery warranty (often 8 years or around 60,000-100,000 miles, covering degradation). Maintenance for this EV is minimal, focusing on tires, brakes, and cabin filters, with no oil changes needed. For any imported model, assessing battery health would be the main concern for long-term ownership.