Peugeot e-Partner arrives in Australia

PEUGEOT’S first fully electric vehicle to arrive in Australia is the e-Partner light commercial van priced from $59,990 plus on-road costs. It is available through Peugeot dealers or online for August delivery.

Other battery electric vehicles BEVs from the French brand are set to follow, including passenger and LCV models, with the next cab off the rank being the e-2008 small SUV.

The e-Partner has only Renault’s electric ZE Kangoo LWB as a competitor – priced from $50,390 + ORC – but other electrified small vans will no doubt follow shortly. Peugeot Australia says the arrival of e-Partner van marks the next step in the brand’s local electrification journey.

The internal combustion engine (ICE) powered Partner has existed for 30 years and is a tried and tested entrant in the light van segment, being especially popular in European markets due to its size, carrying capacity, and simple engineering.

Australia’s Partner range now comprises petrol and electric powertrains that Peugeot says has been enhanced with this latest addition offering unrivalled comfort in a utility vehicle, as well as the powertrain choice.

The Aussie-spec e-Partner is offered as a single, long-wheelbase variant called the Peugeot e-Partner Pro Long Auto. It runs a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 50kWh, powering a single electric motor on the front axle developing up to 100kW of power and 260Nm of torque.

According to WLTP energy efficiency figures, the e-Partner has 258km of range on a full charge.

It is built on Peugeot’s EMP-2 modular multi-energy platform as used on a number of other models including SUVs.

Peugeot says the e-Partner was designed with the needs of a commercial van customer in mind, “particularly an understanding that volume and use of the cargo space along with ease of handling and manoeuvrability are key considerations when purchasing”.

To fulfil these requirements, the TARDIS-like e-Partner maximises loading capacities within its compact external dimensions. Underfloor batteries save space, resulting in the electric model sharing the same 3.9 cubic-metre load volume as an ICE model.

City-based operators will appreciate its 11.0-metre turning circle and compact external dimensions that allow easy access to most car parks. Adding further facility are dual rear swing barn doors opening onto a flat load space with six tie-down rings in the cargo bay.

The electric model has a payload of up to 753kg.

By positioning the electric motor up front with the battery pack under the floor, Peugeot says the e-Partner has optimal weight distribution when loaded which pays dividends in driving ease and comfort.

Engineers used a specially adapted power steering system on the e-Partner and fine-tuned the suspension for comfort over a working day. Driver comfort figured in all calibrations, whether or not the van is laden or unladen.

A trio of driving modes is provided, each with a different motor output calibration: Eco (60kW/190Nm), Normal (80kW/210Nm), Power (100kW/260Nm); with the first for easy driving to a job or commuting, the second for maximum everyday efficiency and the last for performance when transporting heavy loads.

The e-Partner features a version of Peugeot’s ubiquitous e-cockpit that has evolved to suit the varying requirements of a busy working day, and those of an electric vehicle. 

Incorporated into the standard analogue display are a power meter for displaying the level of consumption (Eco for energy optimisation or Power for maximum power) or energy recovery (Charge), a consumption gauge for heating and air-conditioning, a battery charge level gauge and a colour matrix to view energy flows or monitor charging (current or delayed).

The central touchscreen features a dedicated button that gives central access to the electric menu where drivers or passengers can navigate through menus: Flow, to view live energy flows; Statistics, to display consumption statistics; and Charge, which schedules a delayed charge.

Touchscreen infotainment capabilities include Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with FM/DAB+ digital radio also included.

The centre console houses the touchscreen and other integrated controls for the gearbox and drive mode selector switch. An electric parking brake is fitted and ample storage space is provided throughout the cabin including overhead while a cable threader from a dash storage compartment is for laptop charging.

The e-Partner has an extensive suite of safety equipment including driver assist features such as the pedestrian warning system the operates from 30m with an audible signal to indicate the presence of the vehicle in forward and reverse gear.

It also has a 180-degree colour reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic braking distribution, emergency braking assistance, electronic stability program, active lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.

Other handy kit includes automatic dusk sensing headlights, automatic door locking, programmable cruise control, speed limit recognition and recommendation, and a speed limiter function.

Recharging is facilitated by a Mode 3 public station charging cable supplied with the vehicle, but customers will have to buy a domestic socket home charging cable. An on-board unit allows charging at a capacity of 7.0kW while the usual alternative recharge options are applicable with the quickest being  approximately 30 minutes rapid charge from zero to 80 per cent capacity via a 100kW DC charger.

The e-Partner has a five-year/200,000-kilometre warranty, with a three-year paintwork and 12-year corrosion warranty as well as an eight-year/160,000-kilometre battery warranty.

Pre-paid service plans are available.

“Not only does the e-Partner’s highly-anticipated arrival herald what is to come on our electrification journey in Australia, it also offers a compelling alternative to an important audience – businesses who are looking to make the move to electric when considering how to power their operations,” said Peugeot Australia managing director, Kate Gillis.

“There’s no doubt that Partner’s reputation as a capable, adaptable and efficient workhorse will be bolstered by the benefits of a fully electric mobility solution.”