2023 Peugeot e-208 brings hot hatch-like performance without the guilt

To say that electrification is taking over the automotive industry is an understatement. From electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), almost every automaker is busy developing, producing, and selling more and more electrified cars.

Peugeot is no stranger to this as they've been making hybrid versions of the 308, 3008, 508, and the 5008. But it is perhaps the e-208 hatchback we're most interested in. While it may look like a regular 208 from the outside, it's solely powered by an electric motor along with a powerful battery pack.

And now, Peugeot has given the e-208 more power and range thanks to an improved powertrain and reduced energy consumption. The automaker was able to do this after incorporating the e-308's system into the smaller e-208. The result is a maximum power increase from 136 PS to 156 PS. Torque, on the other hand, remains the same at 260 Nm.

Aside from giving it additional horsepower, the automaker installed a new battery pack that operates at 400 volts and has a usable 48.1 kWh of power. In one full charge, Peugeot estimates the 2023 e-208 can cover 400 km. It also has a heat pump that works together with a humidity sensor mounted on top of the windshield. This upgrade allows the system to maximize how the energy is used for heating and air-conditioning.

The battery can be charged up to 100 kW via public fast-charging systems. This means the battery can get from 20 to 80 percent power in less than 25 minutes. Alternatively, the vehicle comes with a standard 7.4 kW charger, and as an option, a three-phase 11 kW charger.

With the e-208 benefiting from a more powerful electric powertrain, we won't be surprised if the e-2008 will also come with the same upgrade. The only question now is, will Peugeot Philippines actually bring the electric 2008 over here in the not-so-distant future?