Peugeot has added an electric variant of their minivan to their local LCV lineup. It is one of three LCVs based on the PSA EMP2 platform, the other two being the Opel Combo-e and the Citroen e-Berlingo.

Aside from changes to the front fascia and brand-specific interior alterations, the three vehicles are identical. And yet there are noticeable differences to the overall user experience behind the wheel, all stemming from the unique touches each brand has applied to the version of the van.

So whilst they all have the same motor, battery capacity and payload, there are subtle differences in the way each van drives. And it just so happens that the e-Partner is the most fun-to-drive of the trio.

Subtly Electric

Peugeot is the only Stellantis brand still selling a combustion minivan in Singapore. A diesel variant of the Partner could also be purchased, should your business not be ready for electrification just yet. 

There are no visible differences between both variants of the van. In fact, the only difference externally is the exclusion of a tailpipe in the electric, and a notch cut out for the fuel flap of the diesel variants.

You will not find a blanked-off grille or a futuristic design touches here – as is the case with minivans, the exterior design is all about utility. Unpainted bumpers and steel wheels aren’t here just to imbue a sense of rugged chic – they are better able to take a beating without any damage, cosmetic or otherwise.

i-Cockpit-lite?

The Peugeot has the most distinct interior of the triplets. In select markets, the Partner is available with the same i-Cockpit screen that you’d find in many of the automaker’s cars. The dashboard has been designed with that in mind, so the cluster sits significantly higher up than in either the Opel or the Citroen.

The rectangular Peugeot steering wheel is compact, and does not obstruct the cluster (unlike in some of their passenger cars). Regardless of the steering lock you have on, you are always able to see either of the analogue gauges or the digital display in the middle of the cluster.

The steering wheel has a singular, rubberised trim panel that sits in place of what would have been the stereo controls (the buttons make an appearance in the diesel version of the Partner we tested). And that’s really the only complaint we have with the cabin – the rubberised trim panel looks and feels good now, but there’s no guarantee it’d be able to endure the harsh heat of our climate.

On The Go

There’s a surprising sense of fun in the way the ePartner drives. A smaller steering wheel means more leverage is needed to make turns. This gives you a heightened sense of driver engagement, which is refreshing since most vans tend to be vanilla in the driving department.

Don’t get us wrong though – the steering is still very manageable on a day-to-day basis. It just feels marginally heavier than in either of its Stellantis twins. And this is no bad trait in our books. Throw instantaneous torque delivery into the mix, and this illusion is further heightened.

A 134 bhp electric motor drives the front wheels. This is paired with a 50 kWh battery, which is good for almost 300 kilometres of real-world, mixed-condition driving. Need to travel a bit further than that? You can add around 70% of charge (10 – 80%) in about the time you stop for a lunch break.

Capable, and Unexpectedly Fun

It’s amazing what subtle alterations to the interior can do to the overall driving experience of a vehicle. Peugeot has managed to make their ePartner feel distinctive in a sea of other electrified LCVs, without giving up any of the capability that you want of a van.

You can comfortably seat three up front, and chuck about 753 kilograms worth of payload in the back. And as with most modern car-based vans, it is ultra-refined, and would work well in both work and play for the small business owner!

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