Overview

The Peugeot E-208 is the electric car variant of the Peugeot 208 hatchback, updated with a fresh look and a more powerful motor option and slightly longer driving range as part of a mid-life facelift in 2023. Peugeot treats the electric 208 as just another version of the regular model, meaning you can have it in the full choice of trim levels. This would help broaden appeal if it wasn’t still rather expensive at the entry level.

On the plus side, it drives in a manner that seem consciously designed to lessen any intimidation buyers might feel about opting for an electric car. The power delivery is smooth rather than sudden and the driving experience similar to petrol variants. The interior and exterior are also familiar rather than overtly attention grabbing or outlandish – although some bright paint options can help make this stylish small car stand out if that is what you desire, and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit interior design remains controversial.

The stylishness is important, as the E-208 is likely to find itself being considered against quite a wide field of rivals both new and old. Highlights of the facelift include vertical claw-mark style daytime running lights to match the horizontal variation in the taillights.

The most established competitor is the Renault Zoe, while the Vauxhall Corsa Electric is based on the same technology as the Peugeot. Buyers looking for more space – and better value – should consider the 2024 Parkers Car of the Year, the MG4 EV, while the Honda e and Fiat 500 Electric offer fashion-conscious alternatives, albeit in even more compact packages.

It’s also increasingly hard to ignore the new wave of Chinese electric car brands, with the BYD Dolphin and Ora Funky Cat among those looking to upset the establishment, including the E-208. Meanwhile, the top-spec E-208 GT is now so expensive that’s it’s not too far short of the price of a Tesla Model 3.

The Peugeot comes well equipped, but even the updated model’s 156hp maximum power output looks a little out of touch. The original 136hp motor remains on the pricelist as well. Don’t dismiss this if you’re on a tighter budget, as it’s just as fast in most situations; but as well as being more powerful, the newer motor comes with a larger battery pack and greater efficiency, boosting claimed driving range up to a best of 258 miles per charge.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Peugeot E-208, including its practicality, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.