Overview

No, it isn’t particularly exciting or a fashionable SUV, but the Peugeot e-Rifter is certainly one of the most practical electric cars you can buy. It’s available as a relatively compact five-seater or a longer seven-seat model, with even the smaller of the two boasting a giant boot and plenty of space for people.

Despite some SUV-inspired black plastic cladding and faux skidplate up front, there’s no hiding from the e-Rifter’s commercial vehicle roots. That’s right, the e-Rifter is, like the related Citroen e-Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo-e Life, in essence a van with windows and more seats. Unlike the Berlingo, it can’t be had with a traditional petrol or diesel engine.

That’s right, because the Rifter is now only available with fully electric power, that figure now starts with a three. It’s a big jump over the discontinued petrol and diesel models, although running costs will be significantly cheaper.

Of course, there are plenty of cheaper options out there such as the Dacia Jogger, Volkswagen Caddy Life and Ford Tourneo Connect, although that’s mainly because they’re all available exclusively with old-fashioned petrol and diesel engines.

If electric power is a must, then the e-Rifter’s pool of competitors is much shallower. Obviously there’s its siblings, while there are also less practical options such as the MG 5 estate and Skoda Enyaq. At least they have a longer range, though.

Unsurprisingly the e-Rifter won’t excite the keen driver although both the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Ford S-Max handle well, albeit in a less practical package. However, for most the e-Rifter’s comfort-focused driving experience will be more than agreeable.

To find out if the Rifter could be the right car for you, keep reading our comprehensive review. We’ll tell you more about its practicality, what it’s like to drive and exactly how long it’ll run for on a charge.