Peugeot e-Expert, discover the details of the 100% electric van arriving this year

Since the launch of the new Expert van by Peugeot in 2016, the brand has managed to sell 195,000 units, which for a commercial vehicle the brand considers a success, so to continue along this line the brand will expand its range with a fully electric version. It was at the end of last year that we got to know the future e-Expert, which will reach the market during the second half of 2020, just like its sibling the Opel Vivaro-e.

Availability in several lengths and configurations

The commercial vehicle segment represents a large share of the European market, a presence that the Peugeot Expert has managed to consolidate and that it intends to continue with this 100% electric e-Expert version, which will suit the vast majority of professionals. To that end, the new Peugeot e-Expert will be available in most of the versions covered by the combustion engine model, with a choice of Compact length at 4,600 mm, Standard length at 4,950 mm or Long length at 5,300 mm, as well as double cab with 5 or 6 fixed seats, and even 3 seats in the front row.

The new Peugeot e-Expert will be available in Pro and Premium trims, keeping the design of the combustion version but with distinctive details both outside and inside. On the exterior we will find dichroic logos that change colour depending on the viewing angle, a radiator grille with an exclusive design and, logically, the charging flap located on the front left wing. Inside we will find an analogue instrument cluster with colours specific to the electric range and indicators for energy management, graphics and functions specific to the touchscreen with connected 3D TomTom Traffic navigation, and the conventional handbrake is replaced by an electric one.

A very important factor for any professional is the load capacity of their vehicle, and the Peugeot e-Expert offers the same as the conventional version, so its owners will benefit from a usable volume of up to 6.6 m3 and a payload of up to 1,275 kg, in addition to a towing capacity of up to 1,000 kg. Beyond this, we can equip the Peugeot e-Expert with numerous technological elements that make its work and life easier, notably systems such as:

• Sliding side doors with hands-free function.
• Hands-free access and start.
• Head-up display.
• Grip Control function.
• Hill start assist.
• 180º reversing camera.
• Speed regulator and limiter.
• Unintentional lane departure warning.
• Collision warning.
• Automatic emergency braking.
• Driver attention alert.
• Automatic high beam activation.
• Road sign recognition and speed recommendation.
• Extended sign recognition (stop, no entry).
• Active blind-spot monitoring system.

Electric motor with two battery options

The new Peugeot e-Expert is built on the EMP2 modular platform for electric vehicles of the PSA Group, so under its bonnet we find a fully electric motor offering a power of 100 kW together with a torque of 260 Nm, linked to the e-Toggle automatic gearbox. For the three available lengths it comes as standard with a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides a range of 230 km according to WLTP and can be charged in 5 hours at an 11 kW charging point or in 30 minutes to 80% at a 100 kW public charger. In any case, on the Standard and Long lengths, those who need it can fit a 75 kWh battery, increasing its range up to 330 km, and using the charging points above it can be charged in 7.5 hours or in 45 minutes respectively.

From the instrument panel of the Peugeot e-Expert we can access the three available driving modes: ECO mode to improve range, Normal mode for greater comfort and the optimal balance between performance and range, or Power mode, especially suited to carrying heavy loads as it optimises performance. We also have two braking modes available that help recharge the battery: Moderate mode for a driving feel very similar to a combustion vehicle, or Increased mode, with which we get very marked deceleration when we release the accelerator pedal.

For the time being Peugeot has not revealed the price of the new e-Expert, but we will not have to wait long to find out, since, as we mentioned at the beginning, its arrival on the market will take place in the second half of this year.