Peugeot e-208 50 kWh

Overview

The 2021 Peugeot e-208 50 kWh is a super-stylish electric supermini that really shook up the small EV scene. Discontinued in this specific 2020-2021 iteration, it's now a cracking used buy, with European prices around €13,380. It turned heads with its sharp looks, funky i-Cockpit, and a zippy electric motor perfect for city life and beyond. This particular version offered a great blend of French flair and zero-emission motoring, making electric driving accessible and desirable without skimping on character. It was all about making EVs cool for the masses!

What's New for 2021?

For the 2021 model year, this specific 50 kWh version of the Peugeot e-208 largely continued the brilliant formula established at its launch in 2020. While Peugeot introduced efficiency updates later in 2021 for subsequent model years, this 2020-2021 production run primarily carried over its existing tech and performance. This meant buyers still got the same striking design, engaging drive, and well-equipped cabin that quickly made the e-208 a popular choice in the competitive electric hatchback segment across Europe, solidifying its strong initial impression.

Design & Exterior

Phwoar, the e-208 50 kWh is a proper looker! It sports Peugeot's aggressive design language, with those distinctive "lion's claw" LED daytime running lights and a sabre-tooth fang slicing down the bumper. The dichroic lion emblem and 'e' monogram subtly hint at its electric heart. It’s compact yet muscular, measuring 4055 mm in length, 1765 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1430 mm in height. Its chequered grille and sleek profile give it a sporty, modern vibe that still feels fresh on the road, making it stand out from more bland alternatives.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the e-208 50 kWh boasts Peugeot’s super cool 3D i-Cockpit with a dinky steering wheel and a high-set digital display, feeling like a little fighter jet. Material quality is surprisingly plush for a supermini, with soft-touch plastics and neat details. Passenger space is decent upfront, a bit snug in the back for taller adults, as expected in this class. For your bits and bobs, you get 265 litres of boot space, expanding to a useful 1106 litres with the seats folded flat. Sadly, no frunk here. Infotainment typically features a central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance & Driving Experience

This little lion cub packs a surprising punch! The e-208 50 kWh zips from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 8.1 seconds, thanks to its front-wheel-drive layout powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). This motor delivers a healthy 100 kW of power and an instant 260 Nm of torque, making it feel really nippy around town. The ride is generally comfortable, soaking up bumps well, and it handles neatly, offering a fun and engaging driving experience. You get a couple of regenerative braking modes, including a 'B' mode for stronger energy recovery.

Range, Battery & Charging

The e-208 50 kWh is fitted with a 46.3 kWh usable battery pack, delivering a real-world range estimated by Green Cars Compare at around 295 km – pretty decent for daily duties! Its efficiency is rated at 6.37 km/kWh. Charging is handled via a CCS Type 2 port. At home, the standard 7.4 kW on-board charger will top it up in about 6.5 hours, or faster with the optional 11 kW unit (around 4.5 hours). Fancy a rapid charge? It can gulp down DC electricity at up to 101 kW, zapping the battery from 0-80% in roughly 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Peugeot didn't skimp on safety for the e-208, which scored a solid 4 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. For this 50 kWh trim, you'd typically find a good suite of standard assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and driver attention alert. Depending on the specific grade or options ticked, features like adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality, active lane positioning assist, and blind-spot monitoring could also be part of the package, keeping you secure on your urban adventures.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Buyers of a 2021 Peugeot e-208 50 kWh would have benefited from a standard European vehicle warranty, typically 2 years with unlimited kilometres or 3 years/100,000 km, depending on the market. Crucially, the high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Maintenance is generally lower than its petrol counterparts, thanks to fewer moving parts. Peugeot's electric powertrain has proven fairly robust, offering peace of mind for those venturing into EV ownership with this stylish supermini.