Peugeot E-208 Rental Automotive Evaluate

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On a latest journey to Sardinia with my spouse, I rented a Peugeot E-208. I at all times attempt to pattern new EVs whereas touring, and islands like Sardinia seem to be an ideal place for EVs. Whereas there, I noticed way more EVs than I did on a visit earlier this yr to Naples. For a trip, the clear, quiet operation of an EV is extra stress-free and allows you to higher take pleasure in your environment. Additionally, given petrol costing nicely over €2 per liter (~$9/gallon), it undoubtedly saved us some cash.

Selecting up on the Olbia airport, we rented from native firm Drivalia. This allow us to hire an EV at an inexpensive value. Nonetheless, the automobile had some put on and tear and wasn’t pristinely clear. The within of the windshield had what seemed to be spray-on suntan lotion, which made it exhausting to see when the solar was low or headlights from oncoming visitors had been shining. Nonetheless, after a couple of napkins, the issue was solved.

The E-208 comes with both a 100 kW or 115 kW motor, though the smaller motor comes with a smaller battery and the efficiency distinction is minimal. The smaller battery automobile we drove has a WLTP vary ranking of 363 km, whereas the bigger battery gives 433 km. In Italy, the E-208 begins at €34,480, together with VAT. That may be a hefty premium over the gasoline 208, which begins at €18,100 with VAT. Above the common E-208 is the E-208 GTi, which begins at €43,650. That automobile has a 207-kW motor, enabling it to speed up from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 s.

At 4055 mm lengthy, the automobile falls between the present BYD Seagull and the upcoming subsequent era Seagull in size. Door openings had been a little bit small, making me should duck to get in, however I match as soon as inside. Seats had been pretty comfy and had guide changes.

Cargo house was a bit restricted, however we managed with using the again seat. Of word, Peugeot advertising supplies present totally different measurements for the cargo house. This consists of the usual liquid measurement from the ground to the highest of the seatbacks, in addition to the Tesla-centric liquid measurement to the roof (which might additionally embrace underfloor quantity, if the E-208 had it). I’ve primarily stopped reporting on cargo quantity measurements, as Tesla began a pattern of corporations making up their very own measurement requirements. The numbers turn out to be pointless. Peugeot exhibiting totally different measurements helps with apples-to-apples comparisons, and I admire that.

Being a rental, our automobile had the entry-level powertrain. Whereas it wasn’t going to win any drag races, energy appeared completely enough for many driving, with electrical motor torque making it really feel a bit punchier at low speeds than a comparable ICE car.

The E-208 was clearly an tailored ICE car. It doesn’t have a frunk up entrance or underneath flooring storage (the place the muffler would go). Additionally, it doesn’t have the sorts of aerodynamic optimizations seen on many different EVs. That made it a lot much less environment friendly on highways as speeds elevated in comparison with slower backroads.

Talking of vary, round 300 km was sufficient for us. The rental counter warned us that charging may very well be a problem. The place we stayed in Alghero was a few blocks from a Stage 2 charger, which had a number of stalls. We’d put the automobile on the charger after our adventures for the day after which return with enough vary after dinner. Total, the expertise was simple. We by no means wanted a Stage 3 charger, not that we noticed any on our journey.

Nonetheless, after we went to Olbia for the evening earlier than our return flight, it was a bit more difficult. We picked a lodge that provided charging, however an ICE SUV had already claimed the spot. We then went to 3 public chargers that had been out of service and one which was blocked by an ICE automobile. We then ended up at a charger a little bit over a mile from our lodge that had a damaged contact display screen, however it fortunately accepted the RFID card and began charging. Evidently, public charging left one thing to be desired. Somebody used to prolific public charging in China or Tesla’s well-maintained supercharger community can be upset.

Nonetheless, Enel, who powered the chargers, has clearly put some effort into renewables. On the north aspect of the island, we noticed lots of photo voltaic panels and wind generators. In a spot like Sardinia, the mixture of wind and solar makes it an apparent alternative.

Getting again to the automobile, the curb weight of 1530 kg (3373 lb.) is just not gentle for an ICE car of this dimension, however it’s lighter than many EVs. Nonetheless, it’s considerably heavier than the upcoming, bigger Seagull, which can begin at 1180 kg, in response to regulatory filings. With a lot of that weight down low, the E-208 handles nicely, in a FWD French hatchback type of method. I can see how it might make an excellent basis for the GTi sizzling hatch.

The mixture of excellent dealing with, a small footprint and poor freeway effectivity gave me incentive to take the twisty backroads for many of the journey. I practiced my driving traces and late apexing at a reasonable pace. The type of factor you’d do when racing a momentum automobile, like a Miata, however slower and with extra concentrate on sustaining momentum for effectivity. It was enjoyable, however it didn’t terrify my spouse within the passenger seat. I might see a future for excellent dealing with, low-power EV momentum vehicles shifting ahead. I hope we see extra choices alongside these traces.

The inside had a proliferation of exhausting plastic. It felt like what you’d anticipate from the €18,100 ICE automobile that this car relies upon. Expertise felt like a little bit of a throwback in comparison with different vehicles that I’ve pushed not too long ago. I couldn’t get my telephone to attach, so I relied on my spouse holding it for navigation.

Total, a BYD Seagull gives extra know-how and inside high quality for lower than €20,000 in Europe. Nonetheless, beginning at €34,480, together with VAT, the E-208 is priced up towards vehicles like the superb XPENG L03, beginning at €34,990 in Italy. That bigger car begins with extra energy, extra vary, extra onboard know-how and a much better inside than even the E-208 GT Unique trim at €42,430.  For the value of that E-208, you’re looking at a RWD Lengthy Vary Extremely L03, with 480 km of vary and XPENG’s wonderful VLA 2.0 clever driving system, as I examined not too long ago in Amsterdam.

Within the context of the US Market,  a value of ~€29k earlier than VAT ($32,660 USD) would place it up towards vehicles just like the Chevy Bolt. Compared to that automobile, the Peugeot would make a stronger argument for itself. Nonetheless, as EV decisions turn out to be extra prolific in Europe, the E-208 begins making much less sense on paper.

Past all of the numbers, I nonetheless loved driving the E-208. It had character. After I take a look at the B05 from Stellantis associate LeapMotor, it’s clearly a greater automobile. Beginning at €23,900, it is usually a significantly better worth. Regardless of being good autos, I’ve at all times thought that LeapMotor vehicles can really feel a bit bland and generic. Completely acceptable, simply feeling like they may use a bit extra taste. They appear like the right start line for a rebadge and tuning.

Nonetheless, should you had been to mix the EV experience and manufacturing effectivity of the B05 with the model and tuning of the E-208, it might be a tremendous automobile. Chinese language know-how mixed with French taste. Peugeot wouldn’t be capable to sustain with the demand. So, whereas the present E-208 has its shortcomings, if they’re open to benefiting from the collaboration, the following era E-208 may very well be a winner with clients. And never only for these on the rental counter.