Peugeot E-208 2023: electric hatch in “final stages of evaluation” for Australian release

After spending years on the wish list, Peugeot’s E-208 looks to be destined for the Australian market

The Peugeot E-208 hatch may soon be sighted in Australian showrooms with the local arm of the French manufacturer confirming the EV was in the “final stages of evaluation”.

Speaking at the launch of the 308 PHEV, Peugeot Australia managing director Kate Gillis spoke of the number of electrified vehicles planned for Australia.

Peugeot E-208 2023 rear — The Peugeot E-208 could soon be coming to Australia

The fully electric E-2008 small SUV and E-Partner van have now been locked in, with the recently released E-308 hatch also under consideration for our market.

When asked if any plans to introduce the smaller E-208 had progressed, Gillis confirmed that the small hatch was still “under evaluation for our market”.

However, Peugeot Australia public relations manager Chloe Fraser hinted that a confirmation might not be far away.

“We would love to share some exciting news with you today, but all I can say at the moment is ‘stay tuned’, we’re in the final stage of that evaluation”.

Peugeot E-208 2023 front — The recently upgraded E-208 claims the ability to travel 400km on a single charge

If it does indeed come to Australia, the E-208 will compete primarily with the Mini Cooper SE, Fiat 500e and MG4 in the budding electric small car segment.

The 208 has proven to be extremely popular in its home market of Europe, recently overtaking the Volkswagen Golf in 2022 to become the region’s best-selling car.

It’s unclear if Australia would see the introduction of a petrol version alongside the electric E-208 but both have previously been marked as under consideration.

Peugeot E-208 range and charging

The E-208 adopted the drivetrain from the E-308 in late 2022, bringing with it a general boost to its capability.

Peugeot E-208 2023 badge — The E-208 is capable of driving over 400km on a single charge

Peugeot says the E-208 can travel up to 400km, according to the typically more accurate WLTP standard, thanks in part to the upgraded 48.1kWh (usable size) battery pack.

The changes have also seen consumption drop to an average of 12kWh/100km, which would make the E-208 one of the most efficient EVs on the market.

A 400-volt system provides the ability to top up the battery from 20 to 80 percent in 25 minutes, according to Peugeot, when using a 100kW DC charger. A 115kW/260Nm electric motor sits on the front axle, offering similar grunt to its competitors.