An electric Peugeot 2008 is difficult to distinguish from a thermal 2008 because they are so close.

The French manufacturer has opted for a body that blends into the flow of vehicles rather than trying to reinvent the wheel as some manufacturers do with their electric variant. Only a few details, such as the "e" badges on the sides, make it possible to identify Peugeot's new compact crossover in the electric version.

New Peugeot e-2008: the compact electric SUV unveiled

The new Peugeot 2008 appeared in the Peugeot catalog at the start of 2020. The electric version, derived from its little sister e-208, followed a few months later.

The look of the latest productions from the Sochaux firm has evolved significantly in recent years. The too-wise face of the old 207s and other first-generation 308s has gone by the wayside. The brand offers an elegant and dynamic design, not to say aggressive.

We find the characteristic features of this style evolution in the last generation of 2008. With this modern silhouette with sharp edges, the e-2008 also benefits from this stylistic evolution.

2008 electric is a proper compact SUV with a bold and refined look. The front face accommodates a large grille swooping halfway up the front spoiler. Inherited from the thermal version, it is of little use on an electric motor.

Headlight projectors surround this with LED daytime running lights in the form of vertical claws. They extend to the bottom of the front spoiler for those placed furthest outside the headlight. There are taut lines and curved wings on the sides, like the front and rear doors. Depending on the finish, it is possible to choose a varnished black roof contrasting with the rest of the bodywork color.

At the rear, the tailgate is topped by a discreet aerodynamic spoiler incorporating the third brake light. Under the tinted rear screen, a broad strip runs on either side to join the LED rear lights. These are reminiscent of the shape of the three claws in the front headlights. The body of the small SUV e-2008 receives black plastic fender flares as protection. The whole is coherent and establishes the asserted style of Peugeot's SUV.

A modern and welcoming interior for the e-2008

Just like on the outside, the interior style of the latest Peugeots has changed a lot since the launch of 2013 of the second-generation Peugeot 308.

The cockpit offers a recognizable style while remaining reasonably expected on the rest of the Peugeot range.

The seats have also been revised to provide excellent support and comfort for long journeys. The ideal driving position is easy to find for almost any size driver.

The dashboard comprises Peugeot's i-Cockpit 3D, considerably improving ergonomics. It is associated with a small steering wheel, inviting driving pleasure. The driver faces a dashboard consisting of a digital instrument panel with a 3D display and a large 10" screen placed at the top of the dashboard to manage the infotainment system, the battery, and the car's various functions.

The latter allows you to use the Mirror Screen function to use your smartphone from the car screen. Its display is also well thought out, enabling certain information about the car to be kept on the screen, such as the air conditioning temperature and its setting on each side of the HD panel of the integrated system. You can also inductively charge your smartphone for easier use.

The fairly sleek look of the dashboard is less minimalist than some of its competitors. Purists will appreciate finding physical buttons on this well-designed dashboard.

The plastics have also gained quality in terms of finish and feel. Front and rear passengers also use USB sockets to charge their electronic devices.

Under the hood of the electric Peugeot 2008: complete kWh

After years of rising fuel prices and the acceleration of these in recent months, the alternative of the electric car is increasingly attractive. Especially since most European manufacturers are beginning to expand their range of electric vehicles.

Some create a specific range, like Volkswagen and its IDs, while others integrate them discreetly into the catalog using thermal bases like Peugeot.

The new e-2008 incorporates known and proven elements on other models in the range and on sister brands held in the Stellantis group, such as Opel or DS.

Thus, the e-2008 is equipped with an electric motor developing a power of 100 kW, the equivalent of a heat engine of 136 horsepower.

The torque reaches the value of 260 Nm.

If it does not seem huge compared to a 2.0 HDI of the same power, the advantage of the electric motor is to deliver all its power almost instantly at the slightest request.

The times are dynamic; driving is precise thanks to a well-adjusted front axle, as always with Peugeot.

The autonomy announced in the combined cycle according to the WLTP homologation protocol is 345 km for the latest models, thanks to the use of a 50 kWh traction battery. The latter has an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty. To recharge it, you can use a fast charging station on a public terminal and enjoy a power of 100 kW. This power makes it possible to recover 80% of autonomy in 30 minutes.

It is also possible to recharge your new e-2008 on a standard or reinforced socket at home or, even better, on a wall box delivering 7.4 kW. This last option allows you to charge the car in just 7h30 fully.