Peugeot e-Expert van confirmed for Australia as electric commercial vehicles charge into market
The electric van segment is lighting up in Australia and the French brand Peugeot is throwing accelerant on the fire.
Having just launched its e-Partner electric van as the flagship of its small Partner van range, it has confirmed it will add the e-Expert in 2024 to its medium Expert van range.
No pricing or spec details for the e-Expert have been released as yet by Peugeot Australia, but if the e-Partner is any guide then it’s going to be the priciest model by some margin.
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The e-Partner is priced at $59,990 plus on-road costs, while the most expensive turbo-petrol-powered Partner is $40,878.
The most expensive turbo-diesel Expert in Australia is the Long wheelbase Premium priced at $53,265. So the e-Expert is likely to be around $70,000 and potentially north of it.
Electric vans already sold in Australia include the Mercedes-Benz eVito, Ford E-Transit and LDV Deliver 9.
But more are expected in the next two years including the Ford E-Transit Custom (2024), Renault Kangoo E-Tech (2023) and Master E-Tech (2024) and Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo (2025).
According to specifications published on the official Peugeot UK site – particularly relevant because it is a right-hand drive market like Australia – the e-Expert is powered by a 100kW/260Nm motor and a choice of 50kWh and 75kWh battery packs.
Maximum claimed range for the 50kWh is 238km, while the 75kWh claims 340km.
The e-Expert comes in standard and long vehicle lengths and as a panel van and crew van. Maximum indicative payload is around 1000kg, which is more than 400kg less than the best turbo-diesel capacity.
However, its zero emissions powertrain is bound to appeal to businesses committed to cutting their carbon outputs.
“The e-Expert will help build that line-up of electrification in Light Commercial Vehicles, so that’s exciting,” said Peugeot Australia managing director Kate Gillis.
“We are having discussions with the factory to finalise spec and timing.
“E-Expert helps us solidify our reputation for great electrification in our vehicles and also solidifies us from an LCV perspective.”
Gillis refused to comment on the prospects for the large e-Boxer coming to Australia to complete the Peugeot LCV set.
The e-Partner will be in Peugeot showrooms in August, with the e-2008 electric SUV due in the third quarter (September-November) and the e-208 small car in 2024.
The 508 Sportwagon PHEV arrives in Q3 and the 408 PHEV in the first half of 2024.
