Peugeot e-Boxer (2021)

The Peugeot e-Boxer is a large electric van that offers a range of 139 miles and a variety of body sizes. It’s a well-designed panel van that is suitable for multi-drops, and it shares the same platform as the Vauxhall Movano-e and the Citroen e-Relay.

There’s a lot to like about the Peugeot e-Boxer and with two battery-powered versions to choose from, it should meet a range of needs. Drivers get either 73 miles or 139 miles from the battery, and there’s the choice of the standard panel van, chassis cab or window van. It is entering an increasingly competitive segment, and despite the price tag it offers a sound electric van with great handling and performance, particularly around town.

PEUGEOT SAYS

The Peugeot e-Boxer is available with two battery options and comes in three lengths to suit a variety of needs for both business and private users. Prices for the new Peugeot e-Boxer start from £49,335 (excluding VAT, after PiVG).

With its all-electric powertrain, the e-Boxer is exempt from current congestion charge or Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) payments, providing a further cost incentive to businesses and fleets.

Julie David, the managing director of Peugeot UK, said: “The largest model available on the Peugeot fleet, the e-Boxer provides drivers and business operators with a practical model that can meet many needs.

“With the introduction of the electrified variant, businesses can operate a fleet that allows them to be environmentally friendly and cost effective. The e-Boxer is another fantastic addition to our growing electric range, and we look forward to seeing more businesses make the transition to electric vehicles.”

The Peugeot e-Boxer will have a certificate of battery capacity after each service to give owners peace of mind, with the lithium-ion battery guaranteed by an eight-year/100,000-miles warranty for 70% of its original charge capacity. Peugeot is also able to combine service contracts and additional features such as roadside assistance under a single finance package to help simplify payments.

Reasons to buy

Since the Peugeot e-Boxer shares the same platform as the Citroen e-Relay and the Vauxhall Movano-e, why should buyers opt for the Peugeot version? A lot of that decision will be down to the dealer network but there’s more standard equipment on the e-Boxer, though the shorter battery-powered range is a lot less than is offered by most rivals. There’s only one trim available and three body styles, but there’s a lot to like about what still looks like the standard van rather than a futuristic creation.

If you like the Peugeot e-Boxer, then consider the Citroen e-Relay, or the Fiat e-Ducato.

Running Costs

Because the Peugeot e-Boxer is powered by electricity, the running costs will be lower than opting for the usual 2.2-litre BlueHDi turbodiesel engine for standard Boxer vans.

The mileage costs will be a few pence per mile and switching to a cheap electricity deal for a business means overnight charging will be even cheaper to do.

The maintenance and servicing costs will also be lower since there are fewer moving parts.

It’s also possible to use a quick charger to recharge the battery to 80% of its capacity in one hour.

In addition, with zero emissions, the Peugeot e-Boxer will not be liable for congestion charges or restricted from entering ultra-low emission zones.

The battery will have a certificate of battery capacity after every service, and there’s a 100,000 miles, or eight-year, warranty to cover 70% of the original charge capacity.

Peugeot is also offering a service contract to help simplify payments and ensure that the e-Boxer is properly maintained at reasonable costs.

Load Space

The Peugeot e-Boxer has a payload of up to 1,200 kg which means the panel vans have the same load space as the combustion engine versions.

The three wheelbases are up to 4.04 metres in length, and the e-Boxer is available as L2, L3 and L4 guises.

The maximum load volume is 15 m³ and the internal width on the e-Boxer panel van is 1.87 metres.

Technology & Safety

There’s plenty of technology and safety equipment on the Peugeot e-Boxer with an impressive list of standard equipment.

The firm has fitted a 5.0-inch colour touchscreen with satnav and DAB radio that is easy to use. It also has Bluetooth connectivity.

Drivers also get a USB socket, along with steering wheel mounted controls, plus there’s air-conditioning.

The e-Boxer also comes with rear parking sensors, heated and electric mirrors and vehicle information is displayed on the interior rear-view mirror.

Options for the Peugeot e-Boxer include active safety brake, lane departure warning, distance alert, a reversing colour camera plus there’s a blind spot monitoring system that features a rear traffic alert.

Peugeot has also added smart beam headlights, speed limit recognition, and front LED daytime running lights.

Performance

Behind the wheel, the Peugeot e-Boxer delivers swift progress from a standing start since all of the electric motor’s torque is available instantly.

There are two battery choices; there’s a 37kWh unit for the L2 length which offers the range of 73 miles.

A larger battery, it’s a 70kWh unit is available for the L3 and L4 versions to deliver the range of 139 miles.

These are lithium-ion batteries, and they power a 90kW electric motor delivering 350Nm of torque.

Overnight charging using the Type II charging cable that is supplied will take six hours for the small battery, and 12 hours for the larger unit.

The e-Boxer will also support rapid charging using a 50kW source with the battery being recharged to 80% of its capacity in 60 minutes.

Drivers will also get used to the automatic transmission with three driving modes – D for drive, N for neutral and R for reverse.

That means there’s no conventional gear lever in the cabin which is also a very quiet place to spend time.

The e-Boxer also features regenerative braking technology to help boost the vehicle’s range so when the van is being braked, it generates electricity to top up the battery.

Peugeot is also offering the e-Boxer with a six-months’ free subscription to the UK’s largest public charging network, BP Pulse.