New Peugeot E-Rifter leads LCV overhaul at Stellantis

Peugeot is the first brand from the Stellantis Group to release details and specs of its revised all-electric minivan E-Rifter. The same changes, which are a tad underwhelming, will soon be followed by the Fiat e-Doblo, Citroën ë-Berlingo, and Opel Combo Electric. It’s part of Stellantis One Pro strategy, regrouping all its LCVs under one branch accompanied by a string of facelifts.

The Rifter is one of the three electric light commercial vehicles Peugeot offers. In its latest iteration, the brand sticks to the electric-only strategy, aiming at urban delivery companies seeking a last-mile solution. The rumors of adding a combustion engine to the range remain unconfirmed, putting the minivan out of reach for private customers. Its price in Belgium starts at €41 930.

Same battery

The improvements on the electric driveline remain modest. Though Stellantis has been gradually introducing its latest 54 kWh battery, with an electric motor of 156 hp, the E-Rifter sticks to the previous pack of 50 kWh.

However, the range is on par, or even better. Thanks to a standard heat pump and improved regen, now adjustable by flippers behind the steering wheel along three modes, the range has grown to 320 kilometers. This is 20 kilometers more than an e-2008 with a newer battery pack of 54 kWh and 35 kilometers above its main rival, the Kangoo E-Tech Electric, which promises 285 kilometers.

Claw, claw, claw

The new E-Rifter abides stronger than the designs of the other members of the Peugeot family. The new radiator grille, housing the iconic Peugeot badge at its center, is encircled by the brand’s three-claw light signature.

This practical and rugged design is further accentuated by introducing new eye-catching colors, Sirkka Green and Kiama Blue. The wheel arches are more expansive, the ground clearance has been elevated, and side guards and roof bars provide the finishing touch.

Charging performance remains unaltered. The standard onboard chargers cope with 7,4 kW; optionally, there’s an 11 kW three-phase charger. A 0-80% charge can be achieved in just 30 minutes at a 100 kW public charging point.

Digital instrument cluster

The interior has been revised with the introduction of the digital i-Cockpit on the higher equipment levels and a 10-inch touch screen on the center console. The French minivan is still available in two lengths and with five or seven seats. The second row folds away entirely into the floor, providing practical modularity.

Lastly, the new e-Rifter includes an array of cutting-edge safety technologies, such as driver tiredness warning, traffic sign reading, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and adaptive cruise control.

The parking assistance system has been improved, featuring twelve sensors distributed between the front and rear and a VisioPark 180° system equipped with a high-definition reversing camera.