Peugeot e-Rifter Review: Practical and Affordable Electric Family MPV
The Peugeot e-Rifter is a rugged all-electric version of a highly practical family car. Despite being based on a van, the exterior design features stylish elements such as ‘three-claw’ daytime running lights inspired by Peugeot’s Le Mans race car. The addition of SUV-like lower body cladding not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides extra protection. Priced competitively, this electric vehicle offers an abundance of space onboard. The interior is incredibly spacious, with an option for an extended version that includes three rows of seats for genuine seven-seater capacity. While the interior trim may not be luxurious, it is durable, and the elevated seating position gives a sense of confidence typically found in SUVs. The official battery range is just under 200 miles, making it suitable for urban use, especially when charging infrastructure is easily accessible.
During testing, the Peugeot e-Rifter excelled in various everyday scenarios such as school runs, shopping trips, family visits, and motorway journeys. However, the boxy shape of the vehicle poses challenges on longer trips where aerodynamics come into play. Despite this, the e-Rifter’s practicality and ruggedness stood out during testing.
In terms of performance, the e-Rifter utilises a 50kWh battery, offering an official range of 199 miles. While efficient in urban environments with regenerative braking, energy consumption increases significantly on motorways due to its unaerodynamic shape. The vehicle can be rapid-charged using 100kW DC chargers, providing an 80% charge in under 40 minutes. With 136PS, the e-Rifter may not deliver exhilarating acceleration but offers ample power for everyday use. The focus is on comfort rather than high-speed handling, resulting in a smooth ride quality, especially on rough roads.
The standout feature of the Peugeot e-Rifter is its interior practicality. The vehicle’s spacious cabin, accentuated by an extra-tall roof and abundant stowage options, contributes to a comfortable experience for occupants. The flat sides and ample space between seats enhance the feeling of expansiveness. The sliding rear doors and tall roof provide easy access to the rear, where passengers can enjoy generous leg and headroom. Additionally, the availability of standard and long-wheelbase versions with up to seven-seater capacity, coupled with a cavernous boot space, further emphasises the vehicle’s versatility for families.
The Peugeot e-Rifter comes equipped with a 10.0-inch HD touchscreen, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in 4G connectivity, and an ‘OK Peugeot’ voice assistant. Remote monitoring of battery charge and control of charging times are possible through the Peugeot app. Safety features include standard driver-assist technologies, although the lane-keeping function on the facelifted model may be considered intrusive by some users. The e-Rifter is competitively priced, with the GT grade offering additional styling features and comfortable rear seats for a reasonable upgrade cost.
In conclusion, the Peugeot e-Rifter emerges as one of the most practical and affordable electric vehicles on the market. Its intelligently designed interior, spacious layout, and thoughtful features make it a compelling choice for families. While its range may diminish at higher speeds, the overall value proposition of the e-Rifter, combined with its ample space and electric capabilities, makes it a standout contender in the electric MPV segment.