If you're looking for a practical, versatile, and affordable electric vehicle that can accommodate up to seven people and their luggage, you might want to check out the new Peugeot e-Rifter. This van-based MPV is the latest addition to Peugeot's electrified lineup, joining the Peugeot e-208, Peugeot e-2008, Peugeot e-3008, and Peugeot e-Traveller models. The e-Rifter is based on the same platform and powertrain as the Citroën e-Berlingo and the Vauxhall Combo-e Life, but it has some distinctive features that set it apart from its siblings. Here's everything you need to know about the Peugeot e-Rifter.
Design and Styling
The Peugeot e-Rifter is not a conventional-looking car, but it has charm and character that make it stand out. Peugeot has given it a more rugged and adventurous appearance than the Citroën and Vauxhall versions, with black plastic cladding, roof rails, and a revised front end that features the brand's signature LED daytime running lights and a new grille. The e-Rifter also has some exclusive paint options, such as Sirkka Green and Kiama Blue, adding flair to its boxy shape.
The e-Rifter is available in two lengths: Standard (4.4 meters) and Long (4.7 meters). The Standard version can seat five people, while the Long version can seat seven. Both versions have sliding rear doors and a large tailgate that makes access easy and convenient. The e-Rifter also has a tailgate window that can be opened separately, which is handy for loading and unloading smaller items.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the Peugeot e-Rifter is spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped. The dashboard has a modern and minimalist design, with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The latter supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless charging and voice control. The e-Rifter also has a heated leather steering wheel, which is smaller than usual and positioned low, giving the driver a clear view of the instrument cluster.
The e-Rifter offers plenty of storage spaces and cubbies throughout the cabin, including an overhead shelf, a glovebox, and door pockets. The seats are supportive and adjustable, and the second and third rows can be folded or removed to create more cargo space. The Standard version has a boot capacity of 775 liters with the seats up and up to 3,000 liters with the seats down. The Long version has a boot capacity of 1,050 liters with the seats up and up to 4,000 liters with the seats down.
The e-Rifter also comes with various safety and driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and park assist. The e-Rifter also has a head-up display, which projects key information on the windshield, such as speed, navigation, and alerts.
Performance and Range
The Peugeot e-Rifter is powered by a single electric motor that produces 136 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. The electric motor is fed by a 50 kWh battery pack, which gives the e-Rifter a claimed range of 172 miles on the WLTP cycle. The e-Rifter can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 11.2 seconds and has a top speed of 81 mph. The e-Rifter has three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Power, which adjusts the power output and responsiveness according to the driving conditions and preferences. The e-Rifter also has three levels of regenerative braking, which can be selected using the gear selector.
The Peugeot e-Rifter can be charged using various methods, depending on the availability and speed of the charging stations. The e-Rifter has a 7.4 kW onboard charger as standard, which can fully charge the battery in 7.5 hours using a home wallbox or a public AC charger. The e-Rifter also has an optional 11 kW three-phase charger, which can reduce the charging time to 5 hours using a compatible AC charger. The e-Rifter can also use a 100 kW DC fast charger, which can charge the battery from 0 to 80% in 30 minutes.
Price and Availability
The Peugeot e-Rifter is expected to go on sale in early 2024, with prices starting from around $42,000 for the Standard version and $44,000 for the Long version. The e-Rifter is eligible for the UK government's plug-in car grant, which offers a discount of up to $3,500 for qualifying electric vehicles. The e-Rifter also benefits from lower running costs, such as zero road tax, lower maintenance, and cheaper electricity.
The Peugeot e-Rifter has three trim levels: Active, Allure, and GT. The Active trim is the entry-level option and comes with 16-inch steel wheels, manual air conditioning, cruise control, and a DAB radio. The Allure trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, tinted windows, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The GT trim is the top-of-the-range option and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display.
How Does It Compare to Similar Products?
The Peugeot e-Rifter is not the only electric van-based MPV on the market. There are also the Citroën e-Berlingo, the Vauxhall Combo-e Life, and the Nissan e-NV200 Combi. How do they stack up against the e-Rifter? Here's a comparison table that shows some of their key features and specifications:
| Model | Price | Range | Power | Seats | Boot Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peugeot e-Rifter | $42,000 - $44,000 | 172 miles | 136 hp | 5 or 7 | 775 - 4,000 liters |
| Citroën e-Berlingo | $40,000 - $42,000 | 172 miles | 136 hp | 5 or 7 | 775 - 4,000 liters |
| Vauxhall Combo-e Life | $40,000 - $42,000 | 174 miles | 136 hp | 5 or 7 | 597 - 2,693 liters |
| Nissan e-NV200 Combi | $38,000 - $40,000 | 124 miles | 109 hp | 5 or 7 | 870 - 2,940 liters |
As you can see, the Peugeot e-Rifter is slightly more expensive than its rivals, but it also offers more style, technology, and practicality. The e-Rifter has the same range and power as the Citroën and Vauxhall models, but it has a better interior and a larger boot capacity. The e-Rifter also has a longer range and more power than the Nissan model, as well as a more modern design and more safety features. The e-Rifter is a great choice for anyone who wants a spacious, versatile, and affordable electric vehicle that can handle any family adventure.
