Peugeot has joined Citroen and Vauxhall in introducing a new electric van-based MPV using the Stellantis EMP2 platform, which will go on sale in the UK this autumn. Called e-Rifter, it lines up alongside Vauxhall’s Combo-e and the Citroen e-Berlingo, using the same battery and drivetrain technology.
The new e-Rifter is based on the same EMP2 platform as its Vauxhall and Citroen stablemates, and it uses the same 134bhp electric motor and 50kWh nominal battery pack combination found in the e-Partner electric van. As a result, the maximum claimed range on a full charge is 171 miles according to WLTP certification.
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The e-Rifter’s acceleration is unsurprisingly identical to the e-Partner with an 11.2-second 0-62mph time, although the top speed is 83mph - 2mph quicker than the panel van. Like the e-Partner and larger e-Expert, the e-Rifter comes with three driving modes - ‘eco’, ‘normal’ and ‘power’. Each mode changes the amount of battery power available, switching between performance and maximising range.
As standard, the e-Rifter is fitted with 7.4kW single-phase charging compatibility, with an optional 11kW on-board charger offered too. At home, from a 7.4kW wallbox, a recharge will take 7.5 hours and can be managed by a charging app, allowing owners to schedule recharges for off-peak hours. At the roadside, 100kW DC charging is supported, meaning that a 0-80 per cent charge can be completed in 30 minutes.
Inside, an eight-inch central touchscreen and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit infotainment system come as standard along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Two trim levels will be available later this year, Allure Premium and GT.
There will be a choice of ‘Standard’ or ‘Long’ variants, changing the length of the e-Rifter between 4.40m and 4.75m. Both offer five and seven-seat options and boot space ranges from 775 litres to 4,000 litres. Unbraked towing capacity stands at a quoted 750kg.
Plenty of safety equipment is also available, with a lane departure warning system, automatic collision alert and automatic emergency braking. Unlike the Vauxhall Combo-e Life MPV, which shares the same PSA platform and battery tech, the Peugeot e-Rifter gets a reversing camera as standard.
Prices and full UK specifications will be revealed closer to the e-Rifter’s UK on sale date later in 2021.
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