Made for long trips? (video test)

And its third generation 3008, Peugeot puts the arrow a little higher on what made it successful. Its design is sharper and the interior layout is attractive, without denying its appeal to the family. In addition, it is adding a new string to its bow: electric propulsion. At the moment, we have to work with one combination that combines a 210 hp engine and a battery with a capacity of 73 kWh, showing a certified range of 527 km. Later it will be supported by the more powerful E-3008 with 320 hp (through two electric motors) and a “long-range” version that allows up to 700 km. Finally, those who oppose watts can still run on fuel thanks to the Hybrid version of 136 hp which we were able to test.

During the first test of the electric version, we noted a consumption of around 28 kWh/100 km. Not a very encouraging figure, despite the route having some elevation gain. It was mainly to get more representative figures that we decided to cover a long journey by wheel: 1,500 km. In addition to freedom, it is also the importance of its planner, practical aspects, but also comfort that we looked at. On the way!

Peugeot E-3008 on the highway

With a distance of 1,500 km in two days, the road network is undoubtedly the preferred one. Departure is given in the center of Paris, with a full battery (99% exactly) and a declared range of 518 km, an encouraging figure. However, this distance cannot be reached in one charge.

As soon as the location is displayed in the navigation, the integrated planner (optional for €800 on the Allure and standard on the GT) announces three charging stations, which seems reasonable for traveling around 780 km. Kilometers on the highway show the first characteristics of the Peugeot E -3008 this. The muffler seems clean, especially with regard to ambient noise. This is less the case of air noise even if it remains very acceptable.

It also seems that the suspension comfort is there, as is the great stability. There is no doubt that the E-3008 is easily on the highway, especially since the driving equipment is gentle. Lane assist and adaptive cruise control are easy to use. Additional support also works from time to time, but its usefulness can be questioned.

A glance at the meter shows a high consumption: 24.8 kWh/100 km. A disappointing figure, even if the temperature is not very favorable at 10 degrees and a slight head wind works against it. As we descend towards the south of France, the wind calms down and the air becomes milder (15°), allowing the SUV to use less energy. Consumption then stands at around 23.5 kWh/100 km, a very good figure, but far from the best. During our range test behind the wheel of a Tesla Model Y (with mild temperatures), the appetite settled in at 18.4 kWh/100 km.

Peugeot E-3008 on the road

The road is a safe and fast way to get to your destination, it’s also amazing… After traveling more than 500 km on the big black ribbon, the route through the second network allows you to “get some fresh air”. We decide to go to Bayonne, to enjoy the landscape of the Landes, through the pine forests. It is more on this area that the power characteristics of this E-3008 will reveal themselves. The second generation got us used to strong running gear and light weight. The whole unit showed unusual changes in parts, however at the expense of some suspension strength. In addition to the driving position, you can believe that you were behind the wheel of a sedan.

This feeling is no longer appropriate. The driving position is still hard to criticize, especially since the instrument cluster is no longer hidden by the steering wheel rim (a first in a modern Peugeot and my driving position). It is the agility that pays here for the heavy weight of this electric version (more than 2,100 kg). Shift registration is no longer clear, as are course changes that betray certain conditions. It is especially on bumpy roads that the weight is felt as the suspension tends to push generously. Something that definitely increases as soon as it is loaded… It is not a questionable safety feature, the behavior remains safe in all situations. However, the E-3008 now prioritizes comfort and smooth operation.

Performance is also affected by the amount of movement. On paper, 210 hp and 345 Nm are more than respectable values ​​for the unit. Of course, the acceleration is obvious, but never surprising. As for the appetite of our SUV, it came in at 16.5 kWh / 100 km, a very good figure, but not at the best level.

Regarding braking, Peugeot has managed to make the transition between friction elements (pads and discs) and energy recovery almost transparent. On the other hand, the lack of bite and long stroke is clearly confusing. Better tuning will give more confidence to the driver.

Peugeot E-3008 in the city

It is in urban areas where the electric car is most appreciated. E-3008 is no exception to the law thanks to the great smoothness and availability of its mechanics, the silence of operation and the absence of vibration. The energy recovery, adjustable in three positions, is also distinguished by its smoothness, but does not include the “one pedal” function. Light pressure on the brake is always necessary to stop this E-3008.

Despite the thick front pillars, visibility is good. Good point about the mirrors, they are at the bottom. On the other hand, there is no need to turn to park, as the rear view is very bad. Peugeot didn’t even see fit to install a rear window wiper. Reversing sensors and cameras are then essential. However, a very small turning radius makes it possible to make a poorly entered niche, a great quality that the old generation already knew.

Finally there is the suspension, a little dry on the covers of some holes, but finally satisfying compared to the big 20-inch wheels that equip our model.

Note that it is in the city that the E-3008 had the lowest energy efficiency with 14.7 kWh, a more profitable figure than in other areas.

It is refilled

To make our Paris-Bayonne-Paris trip, six charges were needed (three on the way out and three on the way back). A stable and reasonable number of stations. The Peugeot E-3008 is equipped as standard with an on-board charger of 11 kW (22 kW if necessary) and can accept a maximum power of 160 kW in direct current. Under these conditions, a recharge of 20 to 80% takes place in 30 minutes.

In fact, recharges take longer. On the A10 road at the exit (Poitiers Jaunay-Clan area, Ionity terminal), 50 minutes were needed to store 51.99 kWh. When returning, the first station does not fulfill Peugeot’s promise: going from 25 to 80% requires 41 minutes and 43.38 kWh charged (Ionity terminal in the Bedenac Est area). A “full” second of 26.07 kWh would have taken 29 minutes (Poitiers-Chincé area on the A10).

If it can accept 140 kW at the beginning of charging (20% level), the power quickly decreases to around 50 kW and drops to 25 kW when the battery level is above 85%.

Peugeot has decided not to equip its E-3008 with battery pre-conditioning to avoid losing its autonomy. However, what we “find” in the action area is lost during recovery.

Finally, if the number of channels is the same, charging times are disappointing. Finally, note that the temperature fluctuated between 10 and 15° during these two test days.

Use – freedom – tenant

One thing that is important to watch out for is the stated autonomy of the E-3008. Regardless of the mode chosen in the navigation, the autonomy does not differ and indeed depends on the value obtained during the WLTP certification. Therefore, the mileage shown is not correct on the highway. On the third charge at the time of exit, the expected remaining range was 189 km. However, there were only 72 km left in the “reserve”. In contrast, the remaining battery capacity is always stable (within 1 or 2%).

This parameter, basic to electricity, is a source of error here. The driver must always do his own calculations and correct what the on-board computer tells him. An update from Peugeot is essential.

The built-in scheduler is also flawless. After directing us to a ghost station on the outskirts of Bordeaux, he then suggested a second station off the ring road. However, it was enough to continue a few kilometers to take advantage of the stop at the roadside rest area. Apart from these two desires, his operation did not cause problems.

Usage:

• Automatic mode: 24 kWh (130 km/h), 21 kWh (110 km/h)
• Method: 16,5 kWh
• City: 14.7 kWh

Independence:

• Highway: 300 km (220 km between 20 and 80% battery capacity)
• Route: 440 km
• village: 495 km

Payment time and cost (excluding tax):

• All: 2h08 / €79.84
• Night in hotel: €31.60
• Return: 2h06 / €75.81

Balance sheet

The E-3008 is efficient enough, moderately habitable, well presented and above all comfortable and quiet. Its appearance will please you or not, but it will not leave you different and that is the goal. In addition, this high-end, well-equipped version remains below € 47,000, thus providing access to the ecological bonus.

However, the picture is not complete. If the change is reduced compared to the old opus is not a limitation, the electric suction chain is more problematic. High consumption, associated with long recharging times, reduces ease of use during long escapes. Efforts on these two criteria would bring him greater benefits. The “high freedom” version may be the best skill solution, but at what price?