It’s a potentially bold move for a buyer to move from an internal combustion engine car to a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). But the Peugeot e-208 GT makes it easy.
Watch the full Zooming with DRIVEN NZ AA NZ COTY award show by clicking here
For a start, it doesn’t look any different to a petrol 208 GT – which in turn is one of the best-looking superminis out there. It’s packed with technology, including a 3D-effect instrument panel and the very latest in driver-assists. It’s currently the fastest 208 you can buy and it loves corners, keeping the tradition of perky French small cars very much alive.
But from a purely BEV point of view, the e-208 also employs electric technology in an intelligent and innovative way. It’s a small hatch, but every knook of the platform has been used for battery space (it’s split into three sections), which has resulted in a generous 50kWh capacity – enough for a range of 350km.
READ MORE
The e-208 doesn’t play BEV tricks with snap-you-in-the-back acceleration off the line. It’s measured and comfortable – not too different from a conventional petrol car in the way it feels. The cabin is a surprise-and-delight affair: quirky, but also boasting the kind of quality materials you’d find in a premium model twice the price.
Speaking of which: with the Government Clean Car Discount, the e-208 is $53,365. Truly desirable if you love a car with character, and yet something of a BEV bargain.
Runners Up
MG ZS EV, Tesla Model 3
PEUGEOT e-208
ENGINE: Single electric motor with 50kWh lithium-ion plug-in battery
POWER: 100kW/260Nm
GEARBOX: Single-speed automatic, FWD
POWER CONSUMPTION/RANGE: 15.9kWh/100km, 349km
PRICE: $61,990