The Peugeot 2008: A French Fries the Competition

You know what they say about French cars: they're either quirky, unreliable, or both. But the Peugeot 2008 is here to prove them wrong. This compact SUV is stylish, agile, efficient, and reliable. And it comes with a secret weapon: an electric version that can go farther than most of its rivals.

The Peugeot e-2008 is the battery-powered variant of the 2008, which also offers gasoline and diesel options. But unlike some other electric SUVs that look like they were designed by aliens, the e-2008 looks like a normal car. A very good-looking car, in fact.

How does the e-2008 look?

The Peugeot e-2008 shares the same body as the regular 2008, which means it has a sleek and muscular shape that stands out from the crowd. It has a large front grille with a shiny lion logo that changes color depending on how you look at it. It has blue-green accents on the wheels and windows that hint at its electric nature. And it has a special "e" badge on the fenders and tailgate that lets everyone know you're saving the planet.

The e-2008 also has some cool features inside, such as a 10-inch digital dashboard that shows you everything you need to know about your battery, range, speed, and driving mode. And speaking of driving modes, you can choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport by pressing a button on the console. Eco mode maximizes your range by limiting your power and speed. Normal mode gives you a balanced performance for everyday driving. And Sport mode unleashes the full potential of your electric motor for some fun.

How does the e-2008 drive?

The Peugeot e-2008 is powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor that produces 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. That's enough to make it sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). Not bad for a small SUV.

But the best part is the range. The e-2008 has a 50 kWh battery that can take you up to 406 km (252 miles) on a single charge. That's more than what you get from the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia e-Niro, MG ZS EV, and Nissan Leaf. And it's not far behind the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus.

Of course, your range will depend on how you drive, where you drive, and the weather. But don't worry, the e-2008 has some tricks up its sleeve to help you get the most out of your battery.

For one thing, it has a regenerative braking system that recovers energy when you slow down or stop. You can adjust how much energy you want to regenerate using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The more you regenerate, the less you have to use your brakes.

For another thing, it has a heat pump that optimizes the temperature of your battery and cabin. This improves your efficiency and comfort, especially in cold or hot weather.

How do you charge the e-2008?

The e-2008 can be charged using different methods:

• A standard domestic socket (8A or 10A) takes about 24 hours for a full charge.
• A reinforced socket (16A) takes about 16 hours for a full charge.
• A Wallbox (7.4 kW or 11 kW) takes about 7.5 hours or 5 hours for a full charge.
• A public charging station (100 kW) takes about 30 minutes for an 80% charge.

The Peugeot e-2008 also comes with a free six-month subscription to Charge My Car, a service that gives you access to over 220,000 public charging points across Europe. That's more than enough to keep you juiced up wherever you go.