Test Drive Peugeot e-Traveller: The Minibus is Well-Energized

A radius of 225 kilometers is sufficient for everyday life, less so on vacation

For this, the customer gets the 50 kWh battery (net approx. 45 kWh) in the base model, which should be sufficient for 225 kilometers range in the WLTP, and also could "suffice" many users in that according to PSA analysis, most journeys of the targeted clientele are below the 200-kilometer mark: 83 percent, to be exact. The small battery also saves about 5,000 euros net and reduces the overall weight: With an empty weight of 2.0 to 2.3 tons, the E-Van still meets the standard for a well-equipped and eight-seater electric bus.

The French E-Van is also well-equipped when it comes to charging: A 100 kW DC onboard charger is standard, so the 50 kWh battery can be filled with energy from 0 to 80 percent within half an hour - perhaps another argument for the small battery. In AC mode, the electric minibus charges with 11 kW as standard, unlike the 7.4 kW for the van, so "overnight charging" is typically no problem even during a short five-hour night.

Never so smooth: Fine manners in the large electric vehicle

But the best thing about the new electric minibus is undoubtedly not the paper values, but the driving itself. No combustion engine drives as smoothly, quietly, and casually - even the well-refined PSA diesel engines with 1.5 and 2.0 liters. Thanks to the low center of gravity, the stately 4.95-meter minibus sits more securely on the road than the decidedly not spongy conventional counterpart. The handling is quite agile for a transporter, the steering firm, and the suspension not too rough, although the comfort level, due to a rather firm setup, is good but not luxurious.

Fully sufficient performance

Anyone who expects the small PSA electric motor with 100 kW and a maximum of 260 Nm torque to be overwhelmed is pleasantly surprised. In sport mode, the full momentum engages the front wheels and lets you leave any full-size SUV or wannabe sports car behind. The large combination vehicle hums discreetly yet steadily, allowing for relaxed cruising on the electric wave.

However, this is not the central criterion for a shuttle or family vehicle, so shifting quickly to normal mode, where 210 Nm is still available from standstill for swift and seamless acceleration, which ends at a self-imposed, battery-friendly 130 km/h. If desired, one can even tow a trailer or caravan weighing up to 1,000 kilograms. For such trips, however, it’s best to plan for excursions to nearby or moderate distances...

Generally efficient, specifically only to a limited extent

A short test round mixing city, country, and highway driving resulted in an average of 28 kWh/100 km according to the onboard computer. This doesn’t set a hallmark of efficiency, and the PSA standard drive is not known for that. The values were confirmed by another tour with the van version: Nearly 80 kilometers in mixed operation and normal mode were achieved with 27 kWh/100 km; however, with winter tires, which rolled significantly rougher and noisier compared to the smoother summer tires on the combo. 

But the value is acceptable - especially when converted to the energetic diesel equivalent: With a good assumed consumption of 6 l/100 km, it corresponds to at least twice the value, excluding fuel production. Just to clarify the efficiency leaps involved in the transition to electric drives. A realistic range of 200 km can be expected in city and country driving, but the e-Traveller/eJumpy is not necessarily ideal for urgent and heavy highway tasks. Even choosing the 75 kWh version, anyone who does a lot of long-distance travel and shuttling may find the electric vehicle only partially satisfactory. 

What does that mean?

How cool is this: A fully electric minibus! Now Bulli drivers can not only feel like eco-hippies but actually be them. Instead of a smoking diesel engine, they now buzz quietly and cleanly into the sunset. Provided they use eco-electricity. But that’s assumed, otherwise, the entire electric equation doesn’t make sense. The fact that the PSA van appears quite affordable for what it offers, unlike the EQV or ABT Caravelle, may prompt many family men, shuttle service providers, or mixed-use users to consider if now is the right time.

It also matters less that the PSA standard electric drive, while affordable through scaling, isn’t among the most efficient units. The values are acceptable, but PSA could certainly improve. To be on the safe side, one can choose the larger battery. For everyday use and most users, the smaller one suffices, since a fast charger and an 11 kW charger are consequently on board anyway. And on vacation? There’s no rush anyway. The motto, however, is: Slow and steady. And get to know the charging points of Europe...