PSA partners Peugeot and Citroen have launched longer-wheelbase versions of their small electric vans, with the new models set to make their public debuts at the 2017 CV Show at the NEC in April.
The new L2 specification Peugeot Partner SE and Citroen Berlingo Electric join the existing L1 models, and are already on sale at dealerships.
Read more Peugeot news, reviews and features at The Van Expert
The key feature of the new L2 models is a 250mm increase in load length, generating an extra 0.4m3 of load volume. The L2 provides a total load length of 2,050mm (compared to 1,800mm in the L1) and an overall load volume of 3.7m3 (compared to 3.3m3).
The standard folding passenger seat in both brands allows for further extension of the load length to 3,250mm and for the increase of the load volume to 4.1m3. The load space is unaffected by its Lithium-ion battery packs, which are fitted under the load floor.
As standard, all new Peugeot and Citroen L1 and L2 models will now come with a 16-amp, Type 2 charging cable. Customers will also be able to take advantage of a price reduction for Type 2 EV charge points as a result of the workplace grant for charge points announced by the government in November 2016.
The L2 models derive their power from the same electric drivetrain as the L1 versions. A permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 67hp at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 200Nm.
Read more Citroen news, reviews and features at The Van Expert
Peugeot and Citroen suggest that the L2 models have a range of up to 106 miles on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), although real-world performance is likely to be rather less. The batteries can be charged from flat to 80% capacity within 30 minutes when a dedicated rapid charge point is used in conjunction with the L2’s standard rapid charging port. A full charge from a regular three-pin domestic plug takes 10 hours. Regenerative braking also helps to recharge the batteries and reduce brake wear.
The L2 Partner and Berlingo models are eligible for the Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG) from the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV). The PiVG covers 20% of the cost of the vehicle, including VAT but excluding on-the-road costs, and is worth up to £5,323.20.
L2 drivers in London will be eligible for the Ultra-Low Emission Discount (ULED), which offers a 100% discount from the London Congestion Charge. Some London boroughs also offer a 100% discount on parking permits for electric vehicles. (The vehicles still need to be registered on the schemes, hence the “100% discount” terminology, rather than “free”.)
All Peugeot and Citroen electric vans are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), an exemption which is set to continue under the new VED scheme launching in April 2017.
Both the Peugeot Partner SE L2 Electric van and the Citroen Berlingo Electric L2 550 LX are now available to buy.
