What's the news?

Peugeot is showcasing its new Partner Electric van at the Hanover Motor Show later this month; with production set to start early next year.

Exterior

From the outside, aside from the lack of a rumbling diesel engine note, you'd be hard pushed to tell the electric van apart from standard models. Based on the updated 2012 Partner launched earlier this year, the Partner Electric is available in both L1 and L2 (short- and long-wheelbase) guises; measuring in at 4.38 metres and 4.63 metres long respectively.

Interior

To avoid encroaching on the van's load bay, Peugeot's designers have made specially built battery packs that are fitted to the underside of the model, either side of the rear axle. As a result, the L2 model boasts a load capacity of 3.7 cubic metres, a storage length of 2.05 metres and a maximum payload of 685kg.

On the equipment front, Partner Electric models are fitted with an energy consumption indicator showing average usage and remaining range; and also to encourage a more efficient driving style. Final equipment levels have yet to be confirmed.

Mechanicals

The two high-energy 22.5kW/h battery packs are coupled to a compact electric motor in the Partner Electric, delivering 67hp and 200Nm of torque. While the model is hardly going to set any speed records Peugeot is claiming a 'best-in-class' range of 105 miles when the batteries are fully charged.

Two charging points are fitted, one for sockets up to 16A, which takes up to nine hours for a full charge; and a fast charge point for sockets up to 125A, charging the van by 80% in only 30 minutes. Active braking and energy recuperation during deceleration also helps to keep charge levels up. Each model will be fitted with ESP and hill-start assist as standard.

Anything else?

The Partner Electric has been developed by the collaboration established in 2010 between Peugeot and Mitsubishi Motors, and will be produced at PSA Peugeot-Citroen's Vigo plant in Spain. Prices have yet to be announced.

James Giddings - 15 Sep 2012