2023 Peugeot Partner Diesel Review - Going Against the Electric Grain

Peugeot has gone against the grain, choosing to launch a diesel minivan in a market dominated by new electric commercial vehicles.

But there’s a method to the French automaker’s (and AutoFrance’s) madness. See, whilst businesses continue to hop on to the electric bandwagon, Peugeot acknowledges that EVs aren’t suitable for all businesses and users at the present moment.

As good as electric powertrains are today, there are some undeniable truths that we need to acknowledge. Whilst there are modern EVs capable of big range, the technology just hasn’t paid for itself yet. And fitting it to a commercial vehicle would make its starting price unattractive to potential buyers.

The Diesel Advantage

Let’s start by talking about energy density. At present, Lithium-ion battery technology still isn’t anywhere near as energy dense as a tank of fuel. The electric version of the Partner is also a smidge over 200 kilograms heavier than its diesel counterpart.

Combined, these factors will see a not-insignificant difference in range. Whilst the Partner 1.5 will comfortably do more than 1,000 kilometres on a single tank (the trip computer might be a little optimistic), the e-Partner can only manage around 300 kilometres on a full charge.

Featured: Peugeot e-Partner

As the charging network continues to mature, range anxiety would eventually become a non-issue. However, at present, many businesses still do not have reliable access to an EV charger, which makes the diesel Partner a very attractive proposition.

How’s It Like to Drive?

It may develop more torque than the e-Partner, but the instantaneous nature of the latter’s power delivery makes it feel significantly more agile and urgent. The diesel version feels a little more laboured when you initially move off the line, especially if you let the eight-speed automatic gearbox sort itself out.

Of course, this slight sluggishness is by design – the engine tuning has clearly been optimised for efficiency. You’d be able to comfortably clock around 17 km/l without really having to try at all.

In select markets, you’d be able to purchase your Partner with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit system. As such, the dashboard has clearly been laid out to facilitate that. The gauge cluster is mounted higher up than in a usual van, and the smaller Peugeot steering wheel further improves visibility.

Are There Any Other Differences Between It and the e-Partner?

Aesthetically, no. On an equipment front, our diesel test unit had steering wheel mounted controls, whereas the e-Partner had a separate stalk on the column to change your audio settings.

There are also differences in the cargo capacity. The EV version will only carry 3,255 litres of cargo, whereas the diesel will do 3,700 litres.

Going Against the Electric Grain

Peugeot has resisted societal pressure to go all-in on electric mobility. And there is a method to this madness…if you want to term it as such.

It recognises that there are businesses that are still very much keen on having a tool that is more efficient and versatile. One that allows their drivers to not worry about range or charging.

It is designed for companies that do not have access to their own charging infrastructure, and would rather stick to tried-and-tested fossil fuels. Also, despite the CVES surcharge, the 1.5 diesel still remains more affordable than its EV brethren.

And cost alone would drive some into springing for the 1.5 Diesel!