You’ve got to hand it to Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroën; they are squeezing the most from the electric EMP2 platform with everything from B-segment hatches to light goods vehicles being underpinned by it. Peugeot’s latest car to gain the zero emissions option is the e-Rifter – based on the ICE-powered Rifter and offering space for up to seven as well as plenty of room for luggage.
There are no surprises here; the Peugeot e-Rifter is equipped with the same 134bhp, 192lb-ft motor and 50kWh battery as every other EMP2-based EV available today. Performance is adequate rather than outstanding, with 62mph coming up in 11.2 seconds and 83mph being the e-Rifter’s top speed.
On the WLTP test, the Peugeot is good for up to 171 miles. In the real world, owners can help maximise the distance available by using the Eco mode, which limits power to 80bhp and 133lb-ft and therefore reduces draw from the battery. In Normal mode, the e-Rifter gets 107bhp and 162lb-ft with the headline figures only available in Power mode. Two levels of regenerative braking help recover power whilst on the move.
The 50kW battery can be charged at up to 100kW DC and the vehicle comes as standard with a 7.4kW on-board charger. An 11kW three-phase charger is optional. All buyers get a six-month fee subscription to the BP Pulse charging network.
Gallons of interior space are going to be the main draw for most e-Rifter buyers. It is available in two sizes; Standard or Long, with the former measuring 4.4m in length and the latter 4.75m. Both are available with either five or seven seats with the second (middle) row getting Peugeot’s ‘Magic Flat’ feature with each seat able to be moved for or aft, folded or removed altogether.
Boot space ranges from 775 litres with five seats in place on the standard-length car, and up to 4000 litres with seats removed on the long version. Various cubby holes add 186 litres to interior storage, and if all that isn’t enough, the e-Rifter will tow up to 750kg and comes as standard with trailer stability technology.
As standard, the Peugeot e-Rifter gets the brand’s i-Cockpit digital instrument display and an eight-inch central touchscreen, plus rear parking sensors and a 180 degree rear camera. Apple CarPlay and Android auto connectivity enables smartphone integration.
In terms of safety, the e-Rifter has a good selection of driver aids, including hill start assist, lane departure warning, automatic collision alert, automatic emergency braking, driver attention alert, auto smartbeam assist, speed sign recognition, blind spot monitoring and the aforementioned trailer stability control.
The Peugeot e-Rifter will be available to order later this year, hitting showrooms in the autumn. Prices will be announced closer to the time.
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