Peugeot e-Partner Panel Van (2021 - ) Electric review

Since the e-Partner uses the same bodyshell as the diesel model, there are the same configurations available, namely Standard, Long and Crew Van variants. All three have the same cargo capacities as the diesel versions, because the e-Partner's electric running gear fits where the diesel's engine is, while the battery sits under the floor of the cargo area. There is 3.3 cubic metres of space in the Standard van and a 3.9 cubic metre capacity in the Long model. The Crew Van is based on the Long van, but it features an adjustable bulkhead that creates anything from 3.5 to four cubic metres of space. The cargo area in all the vans is square in shape with room for two Euro pallets, while there's a payload of 800kg on offer. Diesel Partners can carry up to one tonne, but the e-Partner's figure is competitive with rival small electric vans. Entry level versions of the panel van can be had with an optional Multi-Flex through-loading bulkhead. This adds an extra half a cubic metre of space that's accessible via a hatch in the standard-fit metal bulkhead, while a twin passenger seat is included, too. This Multi-Flex set-up is standard on higher-spec models.

The body of the e-Partner is shared with the diesel model, and that applies to the cabin, too. There's plenty of black plastic and durable fabric seat upholstery, while basic models have a two-seat layout and higher-spec versions feature a Multi-Flex bulkhead with a three-seat layout, which is optional on the basic vans. This boosts cargo flexibility, but the twin passenger seats are a little cramped if you're travelling three up. Peugeot's i-Cockpit dashboard layout is present, too. This places the dials high in the driver's line of sight, with a small steering wheel designed so that they're visible over the rim. It's a bone of contention on some cars that are fitted with the layout – some drivers struggle to see the whole instrument pod over the wheel – but the upright dashboard and driving position of the e-Partner means it's easier to get along with here. The main difference between the electric Partner and diesel version is within the instruments, where an energy flow meter replaces the rev counter. There's a digital energy consumption display between the dials, too, or it can be set to show sat-nav instructions if fitted. There's plenty of storage on board, with twin overhead shelves, a deep glovebox, dashtop cubby and decent door bins, while the lack of a gear lever helps the cabin feel a bit more spacious than the diesel model's.

While the electric Peugeot e-Partner is around £10,000 more expensive than a diesel Partner with a similar power output, the reduced running costs offered by an electric van will help to offset that pricey initial outlay. Even when you factor in higher energy prices, the e-Partner will offer significant savings over the diesel model if you charge it at home or work - public charge points are more expensive, so the savings aren't quite as great here. There are service intervals of every two years or 25,000 miles, depending on which comes first, although the first service needs to be carried out after the first year or 12,500 miles. One thing worth factoring in is Peugeot's warranty: you get three years and 100,000 miles of cover, but while the mileage limit is generous, some rival (but similar) vans offer longer time-based cover.

Since electric models feature fewer moving parts than diesel models, that means there's less to go wrong. On top of that. the e-Partner's running gear is shared with a variety of other models - from similar vans from Citroen, Vauxhall, Fiat and Toyota, to other electric Peugeots such as the e-208, e-2008 and larger e-Expert – so there is strength in numbers in terms of reliability. The Partner was originally launched in 2018, while the electric version first appeared in 2021, so a fair amount of time has passed since they first appeared, while the van's suspension can trace its roots to existing Peugeot hardware that has been updated for this generation, so again, this should be a positive for reliability.

Power for the e-Partner comes from a 136hp electric motor driving the front wheels and connected to a 50kWh battery. This combination is good for a range of up to 170 miles, although this is in ideal conditions: cold weather can shorten the battery range, and it will be even shorter still if you're using the heater. Peugeot offers three driving modes - Eco, Normal and Power – that adjust the vans responses. Eco mode slashes the van's power to 82hp and limits the effectiveness of the climate control to boost your range, and adds around 10 miles of extra distance. We'd only recommend this setting if you're in desperate need of the extra miles, because the set-up is quite sluggish in everyday driving. In Power mode you get the full 136hp that's on offer, but this setting cuts 10 miles off the van's driving range. It also gives the e-Partner a snappy throttle response that is a bit harsh to get used to, so we'd only recommend this setting to help when you have a heavy payload on board. The e-Partner defaults to Normal mode every time you start it up, and this setting is fine for everyday use. Power is limited to 110hp, but there's still plenty of torque to get you up to speed quickly from a standstill, and the van's responses are great at urban speeds. It does run out of puff a little the faster you go, but then this will also hit your driving range, too. The e-Partner's battery adds around 200kg to its kerb weight, but this helps to smooth out its ride, so it's more comfortable to drive than the diesel model. The e-Partner has 100kW charging capability, so the battery can be taken from 0-80% capacity in half an hour from a DC fast-charging source. From a wallbox, it takes seven and a half hours to fully charge the battery from flat, or it's five hours if you upgrade to a faster 11kW charger, available as an option.

It's not exciting, but the Peugeot e-Partner is surprisingly smooth for a van. The weight of the battery calms the ride for a more comfortable experience than you'll get in the diesel model, while the near-silent electric motor adds to its serene nature. Light steering boosts manoeuvrability around town, too. The drive selector has two transmission modes called 'D' and 'B'. The former is the standard setting and sees the van coast freely when you take your foot off the throttle. The 'B' mode helps to plough energy back into the battery when you lift off, and the van behaves like a manual model when a lower gear is selected at speed. The 'B' mode is great around town and means you only really need to use the brake pedal when you need to come to a complete stop. For faster roads, we'd recommend switching back to the 'D' setting, because the 'B' mode feels rather jerky to control when you're travelling faster. Having the battery located under the cargo floor means the van's centre of gravity is kept low, so the e-Partner is just as stable as the diesel in corners.

With car-derived underpinnings, the e-Partner is kitted out with some decent safety features. There's an emergency call system fitted as standard, but there's just one driver's airbag - a passenger one is optional. Still, traction and stability control are fitted, as is an electronic parking brake, tyre pressure monitors, an alarm and central locking with deadlocks, while an automatic sound generator warns other road users of the van's presence. Optional kit includes a front passenger airbag, blind spot monitors with front parking sensors and the Safety Pack, which adds lane departure warning, speed limit detection, active emergency braking and distance alert, auto main beam headlights, front fog lights and a driver tiredness alert.

The e-Partner comes in Professional and Asphalt trims. All models feature an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, DAB digital radio and a USB socket for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Asphalt adds navigation with voice control and three years of connected services. The rest of the kit list includes air-conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, electric windows, heated and electrically adjustable mirrors and a full-height steel bulkhead. There's a single sliding side door for the Standard van, while the Long model has twin sliding doors, as does the Crew Van. Other extras that the Asphalt benefits from are wheel trims, auto lights and wipers, rear parking sensors and a camera, plus the Multi-Flex through-loading bulkhead and twin passenger seat. There are packs that can be added to boost the e-Partner's versatility, too. The Surround Rear Vision system has side and rear cameras that are relayed to a screen where the rear-view mirror normally sits, and this also includes front and rear parking sensors, and adds auto lights and wipers to Professional trim. The Cargo Pack adds LED lighting to the cargo area, bumps the number of securing rings up to nine, adds a plastic floor covering, a 12V socket and 220V plug socket. Finally, the Worksite Pack adds Grip Control switchable traction control for different surface conditions, Mud & Snow tyres, hill descent control, under-body protection, a raised ride height and a full-size spare wheel.

The Peugeot e-Partner is one of a number of small electric vans that share the same basic technology, but all of them deliver a decent range and useful cargo space. It's at its best around town, where low speeds mean you won't be eating too much into the van's overall driving range, but there is enough capacity for the e-Partner to be able to make the odd longer trip. Fast charging helps its cause, while the basic line-up means that there's not much confusion about what model to buy. The practical touches are just as good here as they are in the diesel version, but with the added simplicity and ease of use that comes with an electric drivetrain.