• Just one EV powertrain available
• Offers 156hp and 260Nm of torque
• Battery range indicator difficult to rely on
  

What power options are there?

There are only small changes here compared with the pre-facelift model. Picking your e-2008 is very easy in terms of what power it’s packing – there’s just one choice. You get a 54kWh (50kWh usable) battery pack powering a 156hp electric motor via the front wheels and a single-speed automatic transmission.

Performance is adequate, but Peugeot has avoided going down the route of over-the-top acceleration. The 0-62mph time is 9.1 seconds and maximum speed is 93mph. Where it matters, torque is instantly available for quick getaways, but in its Normal drive mode, the e-2008 sets off smoothly enough in a much more serene and calm way compared with the often-wild Kona Electric or MG ZS EV. That doesn’t mean it’s slow – it pulls away smoothly and in silence but does start to run out of puff as you approach motorway speeds.

If you do want a zap of extra power, you can select Sport mode for quicker responses (and an extra 40Nm of torque) from the electric motor. Then it feels more eager to get going, but still doesn’t overwhelm the chassis like the Hyundai. It feels more akin to the 64kWh Kia Niro EV in its power delivery, while an Eco mode slows things down to prioritise preserving available driving range.

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There’s very little drama in the way it builds speed, with just the sound of a bit more wind noise to give you the clue you’re moving faster along the road. You can press the B button on the transmission selector to enable stronger regenerative braking, but you can’t do this via a set of paddles on the steering wheel, plus there’s no one-pedal-style driving like in a Nissan Leaf.

It’s worth noting that the distance-to-empty read-out on the dashboard is difficult to rely on for people new to the car, especially for those with range anxiety. The issue stems from the fact that after a full recharge, it displays the maximum possible WLTP mileage, rather than an estimated figure based on previous driving. This means once underway, the range indicator drops more quickly than the miles driven. Not good for newbies, or those with range anxiety.

What’s it like to drive?

• Feels very similar to regular 2008
• Soft ride, but unimpressive body control
• Super-light steering takes some getting used to

Most electric versions of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE) weigh more, and this is the case with the e-2008, to the tune of around 350kg. As you’d expect that weight takes its toll on the handling, although stability is good because that weight is centered low in the car (the battery pack is spread beneath the rear seats and under the floor).

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While the regular 2008 feels quite agile in the bends, the e-2008 is duller with slower responses, lots of bodyroll, pitch and a general feeling of sloppiness. It’s only really noticeable if there’s a series of twists and turns with uneven surfaces, the car feeling like it can’t quite react quickly enough. But most of the time it still feels grippy and faithful – but do consider this carefully if you have passengers prone to car sickness. It does round off bumps reasonably well, but isn’t as comfy as a Jeep Avenger with some heave and float over undulations. A regular 2008 is also comfier.

The e-2008’s steering is very light, which does aid in making it feel keener to turn into a corner – sometimes making you turn a bit too much into a bend as the steering is quite quick, with a consequent lurchiness. Popping the car into Sport mode adds a bit more weight to the steering, but the lightness found in other modes means it’s nice and easy to manoeuvre in town and in car parks.