MIAS 2023: Peugeot wants to electrify PH with e-2008 EV

After announcing its plans to show its upcoming electric vehicle (EV) a few weeks ago, Peugeot Philippines officially previewed the e-2008 at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

Essentially signaling the brand’s intention to have EVs in the country soon, the e-2008 is the zero-emissions version of Peugeot’s popular 2008 B-segment crossover SUV. It gets the same stylish design as its ICE counterpart but produces no carbon emissions whatsoever.

So what are some of the telltale signs that distinguish the e-2008 from the regular 2008? For starters, its grille is almost completely shut since it doesn’t have an engine at the front. Another neat feature that it has is the apparent “e-2008” badge on the tailgate which signifies it’s an EV. Last but not least is the charging port that’s hidden where the fuel cap is supposed to be.

Despite having no engine up front, the interior of the e-2008 is (almost) the same as the ICE version. It gets a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the signature toggle switches on the dashboard. Different, however, is its gear selector. Since it doesn’t come with a traditional transmission, it has a button-style gear selector on the center console.

Peugeot Philippines has yet to reveal the official specs of the e-2008 for the local market. However, international versions of the stylish EV come with a 50 kWh battery pack that drives a 100 kW electric motor. This translates to a total system output of 136 PS and 260 Nm of torque. Depending on prevalent traffic conditions, the 50 kWh battery pack can give the e-2008 a cruising range between 180 to 380 km.

“The Peugeot e-2008 taking centerstage at our MIAS display is intended to give our customers a preview of the future with Peugeot. It is a symbol of our goal to give as many people as possible access to electrified mobility,” said Maricar Parco, Peugeot Philippines Brand Head.

With Peugeot only previewing the e-2008 for now, there’s no clear timeline yet as to when Peugeot distributor Astara Philippines plans to actually launch it here in the country. But with electrified vehicles becoming more popular with buyers, the French automaker will have its work cut out for them.

Do you think the e-2008 will make sense in the country? And could Peugeot have a winner in their hands with the e-2008 EV? Check it out until April 16 at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show at World Trade Center Manila.