In the wake of revealing its updated LCV lineup, Peugeot has introduced the revitalized E-Rifter. The latest iteration of the minivan features a bolder design, improved technological features and a modest boost in driving range, while retaining the familiar electric powertrain from its predecessor.
The E-Rifter serves as the passenger variant of the E-Partner LCV, and the two updated models have now embraced a more distinct approach to their exterior styling. A notable feature of the E-Rifter is its revamped headlights, featuring triple LED “claws” set against a black background, complemented by the fresh texture on the fully enclosed grille and contemporary intakes on the redesigned front bumper.
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As with the previous model, the Peugeot E-Rifter integrates crossover styling cues with the plastic cladding, aluminum-style skid plates, roof rails, and a generous ground clearance to showcase its adventurous character. The facelift also brought two new color options – Sirkka Green and Kiama Blue.
SUV-Beating Levels Of Practicality
As with all of its Stellantis siblings, the French minivan is available in two lengths, with the Standard measuring 4.4 m (173.2 inches) and the Long stretching to 4.7 m (185 inches). Both bodystyles can be ordered with 5-seater and 7-seater configurations, with the longer version offering more room for passengers and cargo as expected. All versions of the E-Rifter have two sliding doors and a large tailgate with an opening window for easier access to the cargo area.
The boot has a capacity of 775 lt (27.4 cubic feet) in the Standard version with a 5-seater layout and can grow to a massive 4,000 lt (141.2 cubic feet) in the Long version when all seats are folded, offering unsurprisingly van-levels of cargo-carrying capacity. Additionally, the numerous storage compartments offer up to 186 lt (6.6 cubic feet) depending on the version.
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Peugeot didn’t show us the interior but mentioned an all-new i-Cockpit dashboard with a larger 10-inch infotainment screen included in the standard equipment and an available 10-inch digital instrument cluster. There is also a redesigned leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel retaining the compact size of its predecessor, a wireless charging pad, 3 USB slots, and a new light grey fabric upholstery for the seats (5 or 7).
Safety equipment has been upgraded with 18 ADAS including adaptive cruise control, while Parking assistance is improved with 12 sensors and a high-definition reversing camera.
The Same Electric Powertrain With A Slightly Longer Range
Weirdly, Stellantis didn’t equip the Peugeot E-Rifter with the new and more powerful electric powertrain that has been adopted by most of its EVs. This means that the only option in the EMP2-based E-Rifter is the good-old 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) unit that powers the front wheels sourcing energy from the same 50 kWh battery pack.
Performance remains unchanged with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 11.2 seconds and a top speed of 135 km/h (83 mph). Still, efficiency improvements including a new regenerative braking system and the addition of a heat pump resulted in an increased WLTP driving range of 320 km (199 miles) compared to the 280 km (174 miles) of its predecessor. A full charge takes 5 hours in an 11 kW wallbox, while the battery is compatible with 100 kW DC fast charging.
The press release doesn’t mention any hybrid or pure-ICE versions of the minivan, supporting Peugeot’s EV-focused future. As a reminder, the outgoing model was initially available with the 1.2-liter PureTech petrol and the 1.5-liter BlueHDi diesel, but those options were discontinued in 2022 when Stellantis vans went EV-only in Europe and the UK.
Peugeot didn’t announce pricing for the facelifted E-Rifter which is expected to be the most affordable 7-seater offering in the automaker’s lineup. We expect the facelifted versions of the closely related Citroen E-Berlingo, Opel E-Combo Life, and Fiat E-Scudo to debut sometime in the coming months, giving the Peugeot E-Rifter some internal competition.
