The Peugeot e-Expert has been launched with a choice of battery sizes, three load lengths, two body styles and a range of up to 211 miles. It's on sale now, with prices running from £25,053 for the entry-level panel-van version to £34,070 for the crew-cab model. That's excluding VAT but including the discount from the UK government Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG). Without the grant the ex-VAT prices are £32,965 and £42,380.
Like other pure-electric and plug-in hybrid vans, the e-Expert has been created with urban users in mind, in the context of increasing pollution legislation and low-emissions zones implementation in cities. The e-Expert joins the smaller Partner and larger Boxer in Peugeot’s zero-emissions commercial vehicle line-up.
At first glance, the e-Expert is almost indistinguishable from its diesel counterpart. Apart from the charging port on the front wing, blue-tinted badging and unique grille, the electric van is visually identical. Inside, the instrument display has been tweaked to show things like energy flow and consumption, battery level, and an on-board computer detailing trip information and remaining range.
Peugeot e-Expert specifications and trim levels
The e-Expert range, priced from is made up of three trim levels: S, Professional and Asphalt. The entry-level S is available in the Standard wheelbase length only, but with a choice of 50 or 75kWh battery sizes.
Standard kit on the S includes DAB radio with Bluetooth, cruise control with a variable speed limiter, remote central locking with deadlocking, daytime running lights and a full steel bulkhead.
Next up is the Professional, which can be had in Compact length with the 50kWh battery, Standard length with the 50kWh battery, Standard length with the 75kWh battery or Long length with the 75kWh battery.
Equipment-wise, Professional adds a seven-inch capacitive colour touchscreen with DAB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a coffee-break alert. Also included is a dual passenger bench seat with fold-up outer seats, a fold-down writing table in the central seat back and added storage features.
The Professional is also available as a six-seat crew van, in the Standard body length and with the 75kWh battery only. The range-topping Asphalt trim level, meanwhile, is available as a panel van with the Standard body length and 75kWh battery only.
Equipment reserved for the Asphalt includes 3D navigation with voice recognition, a head-up display, lane-departure warning, speed-limit recognition and a 180-degree rear parking camera and front and rear sensors.
Battery, range and charging
The e-Expert will be offered with a choice of batteries. The first is a 50kWh unit, which Peugeot claims will return 148 miles' range on the WLTP cycle. That’s an increase of about 20 miles on the Peugeot’s initial predictions announced when the van was revealed late last year. There’s also a 75kWh version, which can do up to 211 miles on the same cycle – again, a jump of around 20 miles on previous estimates.
Depending on specification, the e-Expert can charge in as little as five hours from a home wallbox (e-Expert 50kWh using an 11kW charger) – and can achieve an 80% charge in 30 minutes using a 100kW public rapid charge point. The larger-battery van will charge in seven hours and 30 minutes (11kW) and 45 minutes (100kW) respectively.
Performance and drive modes
Buyers can optimise the van’s range by using the various drive modes. Eco limits power for maximum mileage, while Normal is recommended for everyday use. The final setting is labeled Power, and prioritises performance “when transporting heavy loads”.
Peugeot claims the e-Expert will do 0-62mph 13.1 seconds (in Power mode) and has a top speed of 80mph. The van also projects an audible signal at speeds of less than 18mph, to warn pedestrians of its presence.