Partner Electric is mean on the street
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by Colin Barnett • CM recently had the chance to take the electric version of Peugeot's Partner high-cube van for a brief drive in its natural urban environment.
Although no firm decision has yet been taken on a UK launch date, the Partner Electric is available in France at a similar price to the diesel. Battery leasing will cost .C110 a month, but a grant from the Energy Savings Trust's Powershift initiative, which is promoting the van in a series of alternative fuel technology briefings, will pay half of this charge for the first five years.
On this basis, and allowing roughly 60p for each overnight charge (using cheap-rate electricity), the van would need to cover just 180 miles a week to achieve a saving in fuel costs. Using one recharge during the day gives a range of more than 100 miles; an 80% charge takes less than 30 minutes using a standard 230V domestic supply.
As an electric version was anticipated at the design stage, the battery installation is fully integrated, giving the same load space as its diesel stablemate. However, the weight of the batteries cuts the payload by 100kg to 500kg.
Starting the van is simplicity itself, with a conventional "ignition" key, and a P-R-N-D gear selector similar to an automatic.
Moving off revealed the unladen van to be a lively performer up to 40mph, which is only to be expected with 1321bit (180Nm) of torque available between 0-1,500rpm. The motor, which spins to 6,500rpm, develops a maximum output of 37.5hp (28kW) to give a claimed top speed of 60mph with a range of 60 miles.
Interior noise and vibration were minimal with almost no transmission backlash.
Use of the Partner Electric requires careful planning if it is not to be stranded without power, and the limited range Aprecludes inter-urban operation, but it has obvious appeal for highstreet deliveries.