2024 Peugeot E-Expert: the driving force behind the UK’s best-selling electric vans

Peugeot powered over the halfway line in 2024 as the UK’s best-selling electric van manufacturer of the year so far — and it’s the E-Expert leading the charge.

A spark in the dark

There is year-on-year sales growth in the electric van market, but you wouldn’t know it. Concerns around missed electrification targets continue to dominate conversation as the UK’s stuttering transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles rumbles on.

But it seems like somebody forgot to tell Peugeot about these negative vibes. Buzzing with positivity, the French brand’s share of the electric van market has shot up to an unmatched 16.7% this year, with sales boosted by 12% up to 1,480 e-LCVs so far.

Peugeot reckon this is a result of offering “the most extensive range of electric vehicles of any mainstream European brand”. Within this, the little E-Partner and big E-Boxer are pulling their weight, but the medium-sized Peugeot E-Expert has grabbed centre stage, claiming top spot as the UK’s most popular electric van at the years halfway point. So, what’s the conductor of the Peugeot E-Expert’s success? 

A fresh face

In preparation for the homegrown-hero status the E-Expert will attain through its imminent manufacturing move to Luton, Peugeot has deemed that a facelift is in order. 

Falling in line with the revamped Peugeot LCV range, the new look features a raised front grille with fresh roaring lion emblem, surrounded by wolverine-esque slashes dragging in from the optional full LED headlights.

The standard ‘Professional’ trim offers a heated driver’s seat facing the redesigned ‘Mistral Black’ dashboard (likely named after the powerful French coastal wind, so we expect good air-con). This houses a modern wall of screens including a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The Peugeot voice assistant is now AI backed with ChatGPT integration, should you fancy some deeper conversations with your van — embrace modernity and avoid mis-clicks.

Have a rummage between the sofa cushions for a little extra spare change, and upgrade to the ‘Asphalt’ trim to beef up the infotainment features, unlocking the built-in TomTom 3D Connected Navigation system.

What’s the Peugeot E-Expert’s range?

The Peugeot E-Expert packs a 75 kwh battery hooked up to an electric motor kicking out 136 hp, and a range of up to 217 miles, matching the endurance of last year’s best-selling Vauxhall Vivaro Electric.

There’s a three-tiered regenerative braking system which can be adjusted using the paddles behind the steering wheel. But if that doesn’t scratch your range-boosting itch, the E-Expert looks to have been released on efficiency focused Continental Van Contact Eco tyres — ideal for soothing any range anxiety. 

How long does the Peugeot E-Expert take to charge?

For those with an at-home charging setup, the Peugeot E-Expert is equipped with a 7.4 kw onboard charger, or an optional 11 kw three-phase charger, capable of a full charge in 11 hours 20 minutes, and 7 hours 30 minutes respectively.

And for those with access to a workplace or public fast charger, the Peugeot E-Expert can use DC rapid chargers up to 100 kw, capable of charging from 0-80% in 45 minutes.

What are the Peugeot E-Expert’s dimensions?

The Peugeot E-Expert comes in panel and crew van variants, all available in standard length format at 4.98 m, or long format at 5.33 m. Combine this with a width of 2.2 m, and a height of up to 1.9 m, and you get a van that’s a little longer the ID. Buzz Cargo, but around the same width, and a little lower.

A little bit of under-floor magic means the E-Expert’s battery doesn’t interfere with the load space. This allows for a functional cargo volume of up to 6.6 m³ and payload of 1,000 kg — matching the electric Vivaro, and blowing the ID. Buzz cargo’s 3.9 m³ and 650 kg offering out of the water.

How much does the Peugeot E-Expert cost?

The Peugeot E-Expert is available from £41,210, although you are looking at £36,210 after Plug-in Van Grant (PIVG).

This means you can get your hands on one for around £1,000 less than the electric Vivaro, and a fair chunk cheaper than the ID. Buzz Cargo. But is this enough to tempt you to join the growing list of people picking up the Peugeot E-Expert?

Hero image credit: Stellantis