Peugeot e-Boxer Review 2024

The original Peugeot e-Boxer was a bit of a compromise – using an external conversion, it had a limited range of less than 80 miles and was way behind its rivals in terms of range and performance, its only real saving grace being that it was less expensive than some of its key rivals. But now there’s a much more serious offering on the scene with a vastly increased range making it more compelling. But is good enough? Read our Peugeot e-Boxer full review to find out.

The Peugeot e-Boxer is essentially an identical vehicle to the Citroen e-Relay, and Vauxhall Movano Electric, based on the large panel van body that was introduced way back in 2006 and has served as a stalwart in Peugeot’s LCV range since as the diesel-powered Peugeot Boxer.

It’s a spacious and competent van, but was never originally designed to be electric – the plug-in battery pack and motor having been developed by Peugeot’s parent company, Stellantis Group, to be integrated beneath the body. The next generation of large electric van from Stellantis will have a more integral, multi-brand approach as per the group’s smaller models, but for now the existing Peugeot Boxer soldiers on, albeit extensively revised inside and out as well as benefitting from a viable electric power option.

The latest Peugeot e-Boxer is powered by an electric motor producing 272PS and 400Nm of torque with a new 110kWh battery, meaning it can now cover up to 261 miles (WLTP) on a single charge and is equipped as standard with a three-phase 11kW onboard charger.

It can also be charged at 150kW from a DC rapid charger, enabling a 0-80% charge in 55 minutes.

Just one wheelbase is available at 4.04m, but with two body lengths (named L3 and L4, the latter with a larger rear overhang). A chassis cab version is also available. The panel vans are also offered as standard or high-roof versions, with a maximum load volume of 17 cubic metres.

Visually, it differs from its predecessor thanks to a new front bumper, redesigned rear-view mirrors and a new body-coloured grille, along with full LED front headlights and redesigned rear lights.

Inside, there’s a new multifunction steering wheel, dashboard, seat fabrics, and door panels, along with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 3D Connected Navigation. Automatic climate control, a wireless phone charger and keyless entry and start provide further comfort and convenience. Additional practicality is provided by an optional 230V socket in the centre of the dashboard for powering electrical devices such as laptops, batteries and tablets up to 150 Watts.

It's a big step forward compared with the previous Peugeot e-Boxer, but there are areas in which the basic van still shows its age, and there’s no getting away from this. But it is good value and the electrified model is the standout Boxer in the range.

There’s just the one battery option on the Peugeot e-Boxer, but it’s a good one.

The 110kWh battery pack feeds a 272PS electric motor – giving a massive power increase over its predecessor. It also benefits from 410Nm of instant torque, so the Peugeot e-Boxer is lively even when fully laden.

In its latest form, the Peugeot e-Boxer has a WLTP-derived range of 261 miles, which is pretty impressive for a large electric van and will boost its appeal to some users.

There are three driving modes: “Normal” (limited to 160 kW power output), “Eco” for range optimisation (120 kW) and “Power” for full performance (200 kW). Whichever mode you’re in, the kick-down function of the throttle will automatically select Power if you’re joining a slip road, for example, so the third setting is largely redundant. There are also four different levels of regenerative braking, selectable using paddles behind the steering wheel. The most powerful of these will slow the van to walking pace and can feed a fair chunk of boost back to the battery.

There are also multiple driver assistance systems including traffic sign recognition, forward collision alert with emergency braking and side blind-spot alert, drowsiness alert, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree parking sensors, parking assist and Stellantis Group’s new ‘Dynamic Surround View’ digital rear view mirror, which projects two camera images from the rear of the van to the driver’s eyeline. It’s clever stuff, but more useful in dynamic driving rather than for parking and manoeuvring, where the lens curvature of the cameras makes distances deceptive.

The new tech is welcome and on paper makes the Peugeot e-Boxer look fresh and near the top of its class, but the reality is that it fails to hide the age of the basic vehicle from which it derived. This is the third incarnation of the generation of Peugeot Boxer introduced in 2006, and the bouncy ride, overly-firm rear end when unladen and somewhat vague steering mean that the dynamic package can’t match the technological one. Its key rivals are sharper and more modern to drive, but if you want a hugely spacious electric van with a decent range and payload, you may well not mind one bit.

Thanks to its heavier duty battery and electric motor, the latest Peugeot e-Boxer has more than double the payload of its predecessor – up from 710kg to 1500kg. That’s still a fair way behind the 2.2-litre diesel model, but it’s a notable improvement to sit alongside an electric range that has also more than doubled.

As a panel van, the Peugeot e-Boxer is offered in two lengths and two roof heights, all of which are spacious vans. In its maximum capacity it has a load volume of 17 cubic metres, while load lengths range from 2.58 metres in medium double cab layout to 4.38m in long format.

Inside, the revised cabin is smarter than before and it’s neatly finished, with some excellent features including a folding passenger seat that doubles as a drop-down desk unit, a huge glovebox, document clip and multiple lidded compartments on the dash.

The traditional instruments of the old model have been replaced by an all-new new digital display showing range and battery percentage – much more accurate and easy to read than the aftermarket-style charge and range indicator on the previous version. There’s also a 10-inch touchscreen covering all major infotainment controls and settings, as well as inductive smartphone charging and sat nav. In addition, an optional mains socket in the dash can be used to power items such as laptops and battery chargers, with up to 150w charging requirements.

Keyless entry and remote start functions are a further benefit of a cabin that has been thoroughly reworked – unlike the van itself, which shows its age in some key areas.