The Peugeot e-2008 is a compact electric sport utility vehicle (SUV). It is the first electric vehicle introduced by Peugeot in the domestic market and currently the only electric vehicle among models sold domestically. I test drove the high-end trim e-2008 GT for about 400 km. The e-2008 is sold in two trims: Allure and GT. There are no differences in the interior and exterior, but the GT is equipped with a lane-keeping assist system and adaptive cruise control (a feature that adjusts speed while maintaining a distance from the car in front).
The exterior was not as small as I expected. With a length of 4,305 mm, a width of 1,790 mm, and a height of 1,550 mm, it is larger than competitors like the Jeep Avenger (length 4,085 mm) and Volvo EX30 (length 4,233 mm). The daytime running lights shaped like the lion fangs, rear lights (rear lamps) symbolizing lion claw marks, and the electric vehicle dedicated grille with small bar-shaped decorations extending from the lion emblem retain Peugeot's traditional design.
Upon entering the driver's seat, a smaller steering wheel stands out compared to other vehicles. The angular shape of the steering wheel is compact and flexible. This steering wheel did not obstruct the display instrument panel and reacted quickly during curves, allowing for smooth turns without exerting much effort. Below the 7-inch display are buttons to operate the climate control system. It only includes essential functions such as the hazard lights, resulting in a clean layout, and it operates with button presses rather than touch, making it intuitive.
The greatest advantage of the e-2008 is its ride comfort. French cars must navigate narrow alleyways in urban areas, which typically requires a small size and quick acceleration response, a feature the e-2008 also displayed. The e-2008's curb weight is 1,625 kg, heavier than the internal combustion engine (1,355 kg), but it did not feel heavy and was comfortable to handle.
Another characteristic is that there is no noticeable jolting despite being an electric vehicle. Transitioning from an internal combustion engine vehicle to an electric vehicle usually causes awkwardness during acceleration, deceleration, and regenerative braking (a technology that charges the battery when slowing down), but the e-2008 had minimal sense of dissonance. Even while regenerative braking was engaged, there was no sudden deceleration. The e-2008 delivers a maximum output of 100 horsepower and a maximum torque of 26.5 kg·m.
The convenience features were quite lacking. It does not come equipped with its own navigation system, so users must connect their mobile phones via cable to use CarPlay or Android Auto. There are no ventilated seats or heated steering wheel. The limited driving range is also a drawback. Before setting off, the instrument panel showed a driving range of 234 km, but after driving 103 km to Wonju in Gangwon Province, it indicated a driving range of 64 km. The energy efficiency was 4.7 km/kWh, while the e-2008's certified energy efficiency is 4.9 km/kWh.
The selling price of the e-2008 is 38.9 million won for the Allure and 41.9 million won for the GT. This is the price set by Peugeot after reducing it by 14 million won last year. Although electric vehicle subsidies have not been confirmed this year, industry experts predict subsidies in the range of 2 million won. With additional local government subsidies, it is expected that the vehicle can be purchased in the low to mid-30 million won range.