First drive with the Peugeot e-308 SW: What can the new electric station wagon do?

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Should Tesla, VW and Co. be dithering now? Peugeot aims to become Europe’s market leader in electric cars by 2025. It could work: Unlike some rivals, top models are already available with electric drives, and second-generation electric vehicles with significantly greater range are already on the starting blocks (see box).

The electric station wagon version of the compact model 308 now fills an important gap in the market. Named after the former VW leader, the Golf class still defies the SUV trend. Even station wagons still have a chance in this segment, because models have grown significantly in recent years and those in the middle class no longer fit into the budgets of many families.

Optimized aerodynamics

You have to look closely visually to see the difference between the internal combustion engine versions: no exhaust pipe, closed grille and several aerodynamic tweaks at the front. In the interior, special instruments and a slightly raised loading floor in the huge trunk with a loading volume of up to 1634 liters make a difference. Otherwise, the electric drive is not compromised; so there’s more than enough space in the back.

The technology is of course based on the e-platform of parent company Stellantis, used by Citroën, DS, Fiat and Jeep: battery with a net capacity of 51 kilowatt hours in the underbody, 156 hp (115 kW) electric motor at the front axle. Performance is limited depending on the driving program; all horses gallop exclusively in the sports program, only 82 remain in Eco. It is surprising that the large station wagon can travel up to 409 kilometers on the standard cycle; This is where aerodynamic adjustments and better wind drift of the station wagon come in handy.

Practicality over ostentation

The test tour around Barcelona (Spain) shows that you don’t need big batteries, excessive power or extra-large touchscreens to create a convincing electric vehicle. Things move quickly with 156 hp, but we can’t breathe from the power while accelerating. Big plus point: The interior remains remarkably quiet, as Peugeot has economized on sound tricks. Although Opel’s sister model with the same technology has a sportier suspension, the more comfortable chassis of the e-308 is completely convincing. Because, as always in Peugeot, there is a tiny steering wheel and indicators positioned above it, the 4.64-meter car looks extremely maneuverable.

So no criticism? Details: You can occasionally feel the torque of the electric motor in the steering wheel. It takes a frustrating moment to think about the five-seater car taking off and changing direction. The virtual, configurable cockpit, with its overlapping display levels, looks convincing when stationary. However, depending on the screen settings, something constantly moves on the screen. This gets annoying sometimes.

Consumption is convincing

Unfortunately, the charging power is only 100 kW. This means it will take 27 minutes to recharge the battery to 80 percent; but with the remaining 20 percent occupancy rate, not ten percent as stated by most competitors. But the consumption is impressive: on the test tour, which also included the motorway, we managed 15.5 kWh/100 km, which is lower than the factory specification.

If space is more important than power, the e-308 SW should be well presented; For some families, this could be a foray into e-mobility. Prices start from 44,250 francs.

Source: Blick