Peugeot e-208 Review 2024

Peugeot e-208 At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Peugeot e-208 has a decent range and quality feel, and is also pretty good fun to drive. It’s just a shame about the price.

+Maximum range of 248 miles. Smooth electric powertrain. Upmarket cabin. High-spec models get heads-up instrument display.

-Expensive to buy. Rear space could be better.

New prices start from £33,010, brokers can source from £26,589

As the small car sector shifts to EV models, the Peugeot e-208 is well placed to tempt buyers in with its sharp looks and decent driving range. It’s good to drive, too, although the ride is quite firm. But it’s more expensive than many buyers of small cars will be used to, although this is also the case for key rivals such as the Fiat 500 Electric, the stylish Honda e, and popular Vauxhall Corsa Electric. Read on for our full Peugeot e-208 review.

The Peugeot e-208 is the small electric car with mass appeal. Easy to drive, smartly styled and capable of covering just under 250 miles on a single charge, the electric version of the Peugeot 208 is an impressive and likeable EV. 

For the start of 2024, the Peugeot e-208 has had a minor mid-life refresh, with tweaks to the styling, and upgrades to the interior tech and range.

Let’s start with the updated styling. The Peugeot e-208 has been bought into line with other recent Peugeot models, including the Peugeot 308 and bigger Peugeot 408, with a wider grille and more prominent ‘claw’ daytime running light arrangement to give it extra presence on the road.

There’s also Peugeot’s new logo sitting proudly on the centre of the grille, while depending on what trim you choose, dashes of body colour are integrated into the design of the grille.

It’s a nice-looking small EV and while not quite as unique as the Honda e, it’s definitely got more flair than the Vauxhall Corsa Electric with which it shares most of its underpinnings. 

Just as the Vauxhall Corsa Electric has seen a recent range boost thanks to a new motor, the Peugeot e-208 also enjoys the same upgrade.

Out goes the 136PS motor that’s powered by a 50kWh battery (although this will still be available in E-Style trim for a brief period), with the updated Peugeot e-208 getting a 156PS motor with a 51kWh battery. This sees the official range increase from 217 miles to 248 miles (two miles more than the Vauxhall Corsa Electric). 

Think small car and you’re probably expecting a pretty cheap interior, but the Peugeot e-208 actually has an upmarket fit and finish. The battery pack is placed under the floor to maximise cabin space and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit system combines a small steering wheel with a customisable digital display.

High-spec GT versions also get a fancy 3D instrument binnacle that does a good job of simplifying the Peugeot e-208’s range and battery charge status.

The relatively slow touchscreen infotainment interface on the older version has been updated with a new 10-inch display – opt for the top-spec Allure and GT trims, though, and you get an HD display for greater clarity. We found it to be nice and responsive.

There’s a good amount of space and storage up front, but some will find the Peugeot e-208 can feel a bit cramped in the back, with headroom and legroom limited for adults.

On the road, the Peugeot e-208 is generally relaxing to drive. The steering is light and responsive, while the new 156PS electric motor provides a rewarding zip of acceleration (although to take advantage of that power, you’ll need to be in ‘Sport’ driving mode).

Officially, 0-62mph takes 8.2 seconds, but the Peugeot e-208 feels a lot more capable on the road, thanks to its 260Nm of instant torque. 

Despite weighing a portly 1455kg, the Peugeot e-208 feels light on its wheels. The power delivery is smooth and predictable, while the vehicle’s low centre of gravity and firm suspension do a good job of keeping body lean to a minimum when it comes to cornering.

Some might find the ride comfort to be on the firm side, but the Peugeot e-208 will suppress all but the harshest of road bumps. 

A 100kW fast charging station can charge the Peugeot e-208 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes, while a full charge at a 7kW home wallbox takes seven-and-a-half hours. A domestic three-pin plug will take around 20 hours for a complete charge.

Peugeot also offers some useful tech to make life easier, including a smartphone app that can be used to remotely activate the charging of the car, as well as programme the heating, air-conditioning and windscreen defrosting.

Looking for a second opinion? Read heycar’s Peugeot e-208 review.

Ask Honest John

What is the best car for a 75 mile a day drive?

"For an average mileage of 75 mile a day what is the best reliable electric or small hybrid car available?"
If you can charge a car at home, an electric car sounds ideal for your needs. We'd recommend a Peugeot e-208 or something a bit bigger like the MG 4 EV or Volkswagen ID.3. If you'd prefer a hybrid, take a look at the excellent Toyota Yaris Hybrid.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What will be best car to buy for low mileage user?

"I do approximately 3000 miles a year mostly in short journeys and my latest 2022 Nissan keeps suffering a flat battery. I have had it checked and everything is fine I just need to drive it more. I have decided to get rid but am nervous about making the same mistake again. Do I go for an electric car or do I risk another small petrol car. I was thinking about a Hyundai i10 but will this also have a small battery on it which cannot cope with the load."
A modern car should be able to be left for extended periods without a flat battery. You could always consider a trickle charger to keep the battery topped up - something like the CTEK MXS: https://kit.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/review-ctek-battery-charger-mxs-50/. If you don't have access to electricity where you park your car, you could look at a solar-powered trickle charger - this can be left on your dashboard and uses the sun to keep your battery topped up. A Hyundai i10 is a great little car and ought to be reliable. But an EV would be ideal for your requirements - the main battery will provide power to the 12V battery, so it's less likely to leave you stranded if unused for a longer period. We'd recommend a Fiat 500 Electric or Peugeot e-208.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Which electric car is right for me?

"I have a BMW X1 automatic on a lease that expires this November. I would like to replace it with an electric car, which needs to be large enough to transport golf clubs and trolley, or take 3 passengers and have a range of 200+ miles. The car needs to be stylish. My husband says we should wait for at least a year to buy an electric car but I then have the problem of what to do when my lease ends. Any advice please including cars I should consider? I do not want a large car, something slightly smaller than the X1 would be preferable."
A Volkswagen ID.3 should have enough range and a big enough boot for your needs, also worth giving the larger ID.4 a look – it more closely matches the size of your X1. I'd also recommend the Kia Soul EV and the Hyundai Kona EV. Most small EVs – cars like the Mini Electric and the Honda e – won't have the boot space or range you need, however, it's worth checking out the Peugeot e-208, which has a long range for a small EV, though can't guarantee your kit will fit.
Answered by Russell Campbell

What is the best electric car to replace my Audi A1?

"Which electric car would advise to replace our Audi A1 Sportback 1.0 petrol? We do lots of short journeys and cover 5000 miles a year. "
We'd recommend a Peugeot e-208. It's a great little electric car with stylish looks and a premium cabin. Also look at the Renault Zoe or, if you'd prefer something a bit bigger, the Volkswagen ID.3.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Peugeot e-208 cost?

Buy new from £26,589(list price from £31,600)