Peugeot e-Expert (2021)

The Peugeot e-Expert is an electric van offering 211 miles of range – a potential game-changer for businesses worried about battery power. It is based on the Peugeot Expert and it’s a medium-sized van that also shares its underpinnings with the Vauxhall Vivaro-e, the Toyota Proace and the Citroen e-Dispatch. As a battery-powered van, there’s a lot to like about the e-Expert with the low-price tag and cheap running costs.

For those van drivers or businesses that have put off investing in an electric van because of payload and range concerns, then the solution could be the Peugeot e-Expert. Available in three body sizes and with a range of 211 miles means the e-Expert could help a business fulfil their everyday van needs with no compromise. This van is a great vehicle to drive, particularly around town.

Peugeot says

The fully electric Peugeot e-Expert features a 136 hp electric motor and is available with two battery options. A 50kWh battery provides a maximum range of up to 148 miles under WLTP tests, while the larger 75kWh battery extends the range up to 211 miles.

Standard wheelbase versions are available with 50kWh and 75kWh batteries, while Compact models come exclusively with the 50kWh unit and Long exclusively with the 75kWh unit. With a maximum payload of up to 1,226kg the e-Expert will suit a variety of businesses, both in urban and rural environments.

The advanced powertrain supports both Fast and Rapid charging technologies and a full charge using an 11kW Wallbox charger will take just four hours and 45 minutes on the 50kWh battery. The e-Expert is also capable of supporting up to 100kW Rapid charging, with an 80% top-up taking just 30 minutes on the 50kWh battery.

David Peel, managing director of Peugeot UK, said: “The e-Expert is our next-generation full electric van. With a wide range of body styles and trim levels the e-Expert will suit a wide variety of business needs.

“With a range of up to 211 miles from a single charge, businesses will not face any compromise on capability. As local authorities work towards improving air quality, electric and plug-in vans will continue to become even more cost effective and important. By 2023 we will offer an electrified variant across our entire line-up.”

Reasons to buy

While the Peugeot e-Expert is mechanically similar to its siblings, and also the likes of the Vivaro-e and the e-Dispatch, this is an impressive electric van. It is agile and comfortable to drive around town with decent levels of acceleration, including from a standing start. In many ways, it’s better than the Volkswagen ABT e-Transporter and with two battery packs to choose from, it’s an impressive offering in what will become an increasingly competitive segment. The e-Expert is also the International Van of the Year for 2021 (along with the e-Dispatch and Vivaro-e).

If you like the Peugeot e-Expert, then consider the Volkswagen ABT e-Transporter or the Vauxhall Vivaro-e.

Running Costs

Leaving aside the dearer price tag, the Peugeot e-Expert will have low running costs. Business owners should expect this offering to have running costs that are a fifth cheaper than the diesel version. Maintenance is also cheaper with fewer serviceable parts and firms should not be replacing brake pads regularly because of the stopping power delivered by the regenerative braking system.

There’s an eight-year warranty on the battery and the e-Expert comes with a 100,000-mile or three-year warranty to bring peace of mind.

Load Space

The Peugeot e-Expert has a load capacity of 1,000 kg, regardless of the trim and size of van. That’s more than the diesel sibling but not as much as the BlueHDi versions. Access to the load bay is easy with twin sliding doors fitted as standard and the e-Expert can tow a braked trailer up to 1,000 kg.

Owners get to choose a Compact e-Expert which is 4,600 mm long and has a maximum load area of 2,160 mm. The Standard van is 4,950 mm long, while the Long version delivers 5,300 mm with a load length of 2,860 mm.

All e-Experts have the option of a load-through bulkhead, and the front passenger seat will fold to increase the storage area by 1,160 mm.

Technology & Safety

The Peugeot e-Expert comes with lots of safety equipment, plus there’s an alarm fitted as standard. Drivers also get remote central locking, electronic stability control while other trims feature lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.

The e-Expert has three trim levels, S, Professional and Asphalt. The entry-level model features daytime running lights, twin side sliding doors, cruise control, DAB radio and a full steel bulkhead. The Professional trim adds a seven-inch colour display and smartphone compatibility, while the Asphalt trim brings a head-up display, satnav and parking assist with a reversing camera and parking sensors.

Performance

The powertrain for the Peugeot e-Expert is an impressive offering, and there’s excellent handling and ride comfort. The electric motor is responsive with lots of torque from a standing start.

The e-Expert has a choice of two battery packs and an electric motor producing 136 hp and torque of 260Nm. That’s similar to what drivers would have with a mid-range diesel van but the electric motor delivers a different level of response.

There are three driving modes and in Eco mode the top speed is limited, and the motor will deliver just 82 hp to boost battery range. In Normal mode, the van delivers great performance and in Performance mode the full performance is available – but the battery range is compromised.

There’s no gearbox so drivers just get a toggle switch for the Drive, Reverse, Neutral and Park settings.