Update: Introduction and ‘Trim Deletion’ sections updated.
Linda Jackson, the CEO of Peugeot, indicated in an interview with Automotive News that 20% of its 208 sales were electric, higher than the original projection of 10-15%. Since the Peugeot e-208 also tends to be a second car in the family, the range is not a big concern to buyers. In fact, Peugeot’s electrified models have been a driving force for the brand’s sales success in Europe. While the e-208 remained among the top-selling EVs throughout 2021, 20% of Peugeot’s December 2021 sales came from electric models, said Jackson to Autocar.
The 2022 Peugeot e-208 doesn’t just offer cosmetic tweaks, but its mechanical changes are noteworthy, which will help it build on the solid start. Here’s what you need to know on the updated electric hatch:
New tyres
The 2022 e-208 gets A+ class low rolling resistance tyres when specified with 16-inch rims. The new tyres will enhance the range (more on that below) but should offer the same ride quality on British roads.
Optimized heating & aircon
Further improving efficiency is a new heat pump coupled with a humidity sensor installed at the top of the windscreen. It optimizes the energy efficiency of the heating and air conditioning system by making it possible to control the air recirculation in the passenger compartment, especially at low outside temperatures. This ultimately leads to reduced energy consumption from the battery, thereby improving the travel range.
Increased range
In addition to a new gearbox ratio (which promises better range on motorway journeys), the above changes lead to the 2022 Peugeot e-208 gaining 13.7 miles (22 km) of range (WLTP). It now stands at 226.2 miles (362 km), as per the press release issued in November 2021 (via media.stellantis.com), though in the UK, the claimed WLTP figure is 225 miles (14 miles higher than the 2019 launch version). The company says when the outside temperature is close to 0 deg C, and when used in urban environments, the real world gain in range would be around 25 miles (40 km).
Soft exterior changes
The changes on the outside of the 2022 e-208 are minor and hardly noticeable. The Active Premium and Allure Premium level trims of the e-208 get diamond black door mirror covers for a sportier look. These were earlier reserved for the GT and GT Premium trims.
Trim deletion
For the 2022 model year, the e-208 is no longer available in the entry-level Allure trim, as customer preferences indicate demand for higher trim levels. As a result, prices now start at GBP 29,725 and extend to GBP 33,875 before any government grants.
Auto analyst Felipe Munoz of JATO, in his Instagram post, reveals that Peugeot sold 42,450 units of the e-208 in Europe in 2021, with the model accounting for 22% of the total 208 sales. The e-208 finished in the 9th position on the best-selling EVs chart, ahead of the VW e-Up! and just behind the Hyundai Kona EV.
Featured Image – Peugeot
