PEUGEOT’S first totally electrical car to reach in Australia is the e-Companion mild industrial van priced from $59,990 plus on-road prices. It’s obtainable by means of Peugeot sellers or on-line for August supply.
Different battery electrical automobiles BEVs from the French model are set to comply with, together with passenger and LCV fashions, with the following cab off the rank being the e-2008 small SUV.
The e-Companion has solely Renault’s electrical ZE Kangoo LWB as a competitor – priced from $50,390 + ORC – however different electrified small vans will little doubt comply with shortly. Peugeot Australia says the arrival of e-Companion van marks the following step within the model’s native electrification journey.
The inner combustion engine (ICE) powered Companion has existed for 30 years and is a tried and examined entrant within the mild van phase, being particularly widespread in European markets because of its dimension, carrying capability, and easy engineering.
Australia’s Companion vary now contains petrol and electrical powertrains that Peugeot says has been enhanced with this newest addition providing unrivalled consolation in a utility car, in addition to the powertrain alternative.
The Aussie-spec e-Companion is obtainable as a single, long-wheelbase variant referred to as the Peugeot e-Companion Professional Lengthy Auto. It runs a lithium-ion battery with a capability of 50kWh, powering a single electrical motor on the entrance axle creating as much as 100kW of energy and 260Nm of torque.
In keeping with WLTP power effectivity figures, the e-Companion has 258km of vary on a full cost.
It’s constructed on Peugeot’s EMP-2 modular multi-energy platform as used on a variety of different fashions together with SUVs.
Peugeot says the e-Companion was designed with the wants of a industrial van buyer in thoughts, “notably an understanding that quantity and use of the cargo house together with ease of dealing with and manoeuvrability are key concerns when buying”.
To fulfil these necessities, the TARDIS-like e-Companion maximises loading capacities inside its compact exterior dimensions. Underfloor batteries save house, ensuing within the electrical mannequin sharing the identical 3.9 cubic-metre load quantity as an ICE mannequin.
Metropolis-based operators will admire its 11.0-metre turning circle and compact exterior dimensions that enable easy accessibility to most automobile parks. Including additional facility are twin rear swing barn doorways opening onto a flat load house with six tie-down rings within the cargo bay.
The electrical mannequin has a payload of as much as 753kg.
By positioning the electrical motor up entrance with the battery pack beneath the ground, Peugeot says the e-Companion has optimum weight distribution when loaded which pays dividends in driving ease and luxury.
Engineers used a specifically tailored energy steering system on the e-Companion and fine-tuned the suspension for consolation over a working day. Driver consolation figured in all calibrations, whether or not or not the van is laden or unladen.
A trio of driving modes is supplied, every with a distinct motor output calibration: Eco (60kW/190Nm), Regular (80kW/210Nm), Energy (100kW/260Nm); with the primary for straightforward driving to a job or commuting, the second for optimum on a regular basis effectivity and the final for efficiency when transporting heavy masses.
The e-Companion encompasses a model of Peugeot’s ubiquitous e-cockpit that has advanced to swimsuit the various necessities of a busy working day, and people of an electrical car.
Integrated into the usual analogue show are an influence meter for displaying the extent of consumption (Eco for power optimisation or Energy for optimum energy) or power restoration (Cost), a consumption gauge for heating and air-conditioning, a battery cost degree gauge and a color matrix to view power flows or monitor charging (present or delayed).
The central touchscreen encompasses a devoted button that provides central entry to the electrical menu the place drivers or passengers can navigate by means of menus: Circulate, to view dwell power flows; Statistics, to show consumption statistics; and Cost, which schedules a delayed cost.
Touchscreen infotainment capabilities embody Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with FM/DAB+ digital radio additionally included.
The centre console homes the touchscreen and different built-in controls for the gearbox and drive mode selector swap. An electrical parking brake is fitted and ample space for storing is supplied all through the cabin together with overhead whereas a cable threader from a touch storage compartment is for laptop computer charging.
The e-Companion has an intensive suite of security tools together with driver help options such because the pedestrian warning system the operates from 30m with an audible sign to point the presence of the car in ahead and reverse gear.
It additionally has a 180-degree color reversing digicam, entrance and rear parking sensors, six airbags, anti-lock braking system, digital braking distribution, emergency braking help, digital stability program, energetic lane preserve help, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and ahead collision warning.
Different useful package consists of automated nightfall sensing headlights, automated door locking, programmable cruise management, velocity restrict recognition and suggestion, and a velocity limiter operate.
Recharging is facilitated by a Mode 3 public station charging cable equipped with the car, however prospects must purchase a home socket dwelling charging cable. An on-board unit permits charging at a capability of seven.0kW whereas the standard different recharge choices are relevant with the quickest being roughly half-hour fast cost from zero to 80 per cent capability through a 100kW DC charger.
The e-Companion has a five-year/200,000-kilometre guarantee, with a three-year paintwork and 12-year corrosion guarantee in addition to an eight-year/160,000-kilometre battery guarantee.
Pre-paid service plans can be found.
“Not solely does the e-Companion’s highly-anticipated arrival herald what’s to come back on our electrification journey in Australia, it additionally provides a compelling different to an vital viewers – companies who need to make the transfer to electrical when contemplating tips on how to energy their operations,” mentioned Peugeot Australia managing director, Kate Gillis.
“There’s little doubt that Companion’s repute as a succesful, adaptable and environment friendly workhorse will likely be bolstered by the advantages of a completely electrical mobility resolution.”
