Peugeot e-Partner confirmed for Australia

PEUGEOT has confirmed the arrival of its electric e-Partner van to Australia before the middle of the year.

The light commercial model is the brand’s first fully electric vehicle on sale locally, and one it says, “signifies a further progression towards its local commitment of offering electrified variants across LCV, passenger and SUV models”.

Offered exclusively in long-wheelbase format here, the e-Partner is based upon Peugeot's EMP2 multi-energy modular platform, develops outputs of 100kW and 260Nm and sources energy from a 50kWh lithium-ion battery.

Rivalling the likes of the Citroen e-Berlingo, Renault Kangoo ZE and Vauxhall Combo-e in its home market, the Peugeot e-Partner has a claimed 275km driving range and an 800kg payload, as well as the same load area as its petrol- and diesel-powered siblings.

DC fast charging (up to 100kW) enables the e-Partner to be charged from zero to 80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes, while a domestic wall box (7.4kW) will yield a full charge in 7.5 hours.

Peugeot says the e-Partner van can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 11.7 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 130km/h. The electric motor fitted to the model drives the front wheels via a single-speed transmission.

In Europe, the e-Partner is offered with two-year/40,000km service intervals, a three-year/100,00km vehicle warranty and eight-year/160,000km battery warranty. 

For this market, these figures are likely to change once the vehicle goes on sale Down Under.

A localised equipment list for Australian delivered e-Partner models is also expected. In its home market, the model is offered as standard with air-conditioning, cruise control, carpeted floors, electric folding and adjustable wing mirrors, front fog lights and an 8.0-inch infotainment array which includes DAB+ digital radio reception and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

Premium variants add rain-sensing wipers, 16-inch alloy wheels, multi-flex seating (load-through function), body-coloured bumpers, sat-nav, a larger 10.0-inch infotainment screen, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Safety equipment is offered on an optional basis in Europe with only a driver’s side airbag fitted as standard. Dual front, side and curtain airbags are available as a cost option, as are autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist. Owing to local safety requirements, however, it is expected these features will be found standard on local variants.

“We are delighted to announce the e-Partner is on its way to Australia and will be our first fully electric vehicle to be offered locally,” said Peugeot Australia managing director Kate Gillis.

“The launch of the e-Partner will build on our electrified range in Australia that currently consists of the 3008 SUV and 508 GT Fastback plug-in hybrid variants and will soon welcome the 308 GT Sport Hatch and 508 GT Sportswagon plug-in hybrid variants.

“We are confident that the arrival of our first electric vehicle will provide new avenues for growth for the brand as well as further choice for discerning Peugeot LCV customers wanting to make the move to electric.”

Ms Gillis said further announcements relating to the e-Partner’s pricing and specification will be made closer to the model’s on-sale date. Current Peugeot Partner pricing is listed below.

2023 Peugeot Partner pricing*:

*pricing excludes on-road costs