I was seriously impressed by Peugeot E-3008's range, which is enough for the longest car trips
Stuff Verdict
The Peugeot e-3008 delivers excellent range and lots of family-focused practicality with the cheaper Allure trim option being the pick of the crop for our type of budget.
Pros Impressive range on all model variants
Generous levels of space and storage
Distinctive looks and feels fairly premium
Cons Slightly more restrictive on space
Larger battery edition adds more range but at a price
Ride and handling is a little rough and tumble
Peugeot's current range has something for everyone, including plenty of family-focused options. The lofty Peugeot e-5008 might seat up to seven – plus room for luggage – but it could be overkill for smaller families. Having recently spent time behind the wheel of one, the new Peugeot e-3008 is ideal for transporting yourself, a partner, two children, and all their associated bits and bobs.
Both cars face stiff competition from the likes of the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Renault Scenic and VW ID 4, but the e-3008 has an ace in the hole. While you can buy one with a 73kWh battery that's good for up to 326 miles, it's also offered with a far bigger 98kWh pack that promises a whopping 435 miles per charge.
A sloping rear roofline might mean the back end isn't quite as accommodating as the more cavernous e-5008, but there's still oodles of space inside, along more all the tech you could really want. That battery means it's no lightweight, though, so is it any good to drive?
How we test cars
Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products.
Find out more about how we test and rate products.
The styling
Peugeot's design team has really been allowed to flex lately. The line-up is somehow now consistent yet each model looks wholly individual. The e-3008 is a great example of that, especially if you get it in one of the livelier colours (like Obsession Blue) rather than the more sober shades (Artense Grey) that tend to be so popular these days.
The front end is very distinctive, with a nice theme running through the grille, badge and lighting arrangement. The same goes for that back end, which continues Peugeot's current theme for producing very eye-catching light arrays. That tailgate really does slope too, with an angle that cuts right into the rear pillar line. This is quite a high-riding model, which should mean added ease of use for folks piling family-oriented items into the front and back seats or that high-lift tailgate. The contrasting black trim flourishes along the bottom of the doors and the dark coloured roof finish things of nicely too.
Inside, Peugeot has beefed up its cockpit ideas even further than its earlier electric models – albeit with some tell-tale Stellantis group switchgear. That drive mode selector must've paid for itself many times over at this point. The ambience is really quite premium in feel otherwise, despite some plastic trim on display. Even that has been executed quite well, and looks better than it sounds if you scratch your fingernails across it.
Seat coverings, and indeed the seats themselves, are spot-on, with generous levels of comfort and plenty of legroom in the front and in the back. Although yes, that sloping roof does make it less practical for tall adults getting in and out. My Allure trim model didn't have the panoramic glass roof option, so things felt quite gloomy in the rear.
The practical feel is enhanced still further when it comes to the boot, which is big at 588-litres, but can be made much bigger with some rear seat juggling.
The drive
How often do you want to think about plugging in? The 98kWh battery e-3008 really can rack up the miles before demanding a charge, but to be honest the entry-level model is perfectly adequate for most family excursions. I certainly didn't need more than the promised 326 miles of range, given my passengers were likely to need a toilet stop before the battery required more juice.
Even EVs with extensive range need to charge at some point, but the e-3008 makes this as painless as possible. 160kW charging lets it get from 20% to 80% in around 20 minutes, which is barely enough time to get everybody to the loo and the shop at a decent motorway services. This car is certainly practical if you're keen to get on the move again.
Having driven lots of Stellantis group cars, the e-3008's drive mode setup isn't anything out of the ordinary – but I found it delivered an enjoyable driving experience in four-wheel-drive, dual motor guise. It's quick and easy to get the hang of, even if the smaller steering wheel might irritate some drivers who will have to do a bit of column fettling in order to get their view of the dash into some kind of satisfactory setup.
Nevertheless, there are useful tools at the driver's disposal, with my favourite being the regenerative braking. This can be adjusted using paddles in front of the steering wheel and, with the maximum applied, the braking arrangement adds a lot to the dynamic drive appeal of this car.
Naturally, there's some weight to the Peugeot e-3008 and, while it never feels exactly cumbersome, this is an SUV that does appear quite hefty when its being worked through corners. The 19in wheels add to the weighty feel, and there is the inevitable discomfort to be had when on rougher surfaces. Something to bear in mind if you live in one of the less good bits of the UK road network. Driven carefully though, and when it's not pushed, the Peugeot e-3008 is a likeable machine with enough puff to get away nicely at the lights, junctions and roundabouts.
The technology
One of the most notable aspects of recent Peugeots has been the i-Cockpit, which includes the smaller, go-kart style steering wheel. I get on with the latter well, although I know some folks aren't fans. It's featured here along with the sizeable Panoramic i-Cockpit instrument and infotainment cluster, which delivers a much more impressive dashboard layout than earlier models.
I found the 21in screen layout quite impressive overall, even though the graphics don't always look as premium as some of the rivals mentioned above. There wasn't anything that didn't work as expected, though, and I was especially impressed with being able to choose lots of mode options for the massage seats in my test car. The functionality did feel a little tricky to work with on the move, however, but that's par for the course in most cars with so many options buried in the infotainment screen.
Like most people, I'd be inclined to make use of wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay if I was going to live with the Peugeot e-3008 for a longer period of time. It just seems much easier to interact with everyday tools, especially sat-nav, even though Peugeot has tried to make life easier for the driver by adding in touchscreen buttons that are on the large side. A smattering of regular buttons might still be the better route for core in-car tasks though.
Peugeot e-3008 verdict
If a chunkier, more upright body shape – and some extra seats – is required, the e-5008 remains the car to consider. However, the e-3008 will be ideally suited to most average families. The Allure model represents the best value, with performance that's absolutely fine; the GT trim packs in more goodies and there's a certain allure of the 321bhp and six-second 0-60mph of the all-wheel drive variant, though it gets penalised for the extra fun it offers by chopping the range down to 303 miles.
If you simply want to get to your destination in one go though, try the Long Range edition, which can deliver up to 435 miles. Not many bladders can handle that, mind.
Stuff Says…
Score: 4/5
The Peugeot e-3008 delivers excellent range and lots of family-focused practicality with the cheaper Allure trim option being the pick of the crop for our type of budget.
Pros
Impressive range on all model variants
Generous levels of space and storage
Distinctive looks and feels fairly premium
Cons
Slightly more restrictive on space
Larger battery edition adds more range but at a price
Ride and handling is a little rough and tumble
Peugeot e-3008 technical specifications
Powertrain Permanent magnet synchronous motor Battery 73kWh Power 207bhp Torque 255lb-ft 0-62mph 8.8sec Top speed 105mph Range 326 miles Maximum charge rate 160kWh Cargo volume 588 litres
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Stuff.tv
2 days ago
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I was seriously impressed by Peugeot E-3008's range, which is enough for the longest car trips
Stuff Verdict The Peugeot e-3008 delivers excellent range and lots of family-focused practicality with the cheaper Allure trim option being the pick of the crop for our type of budget. Pros Impressive range on all model variants Generous levels of space and storage Distinctive looks and feels fairly premium Cons Slightly more restrictive on space Larger battery edition adds more range but at a price Ride and handling is a little rough and tumble Peugeot's current range has something for everyone, including plenty of family-focused options. The lofty Peugeot e-5008 might seat up to seven – plus room for luggage – but it could be overkill for smaller families. Having recently spent time behind the wheel of one, the new Peugeot e-3008 is ideal for transporting yourself, a partner, two children, and all their associated bits and bobs. Both cars face stiff competition from the likes of the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Renault Scenic and VW ID 4, but the e-3008 has an ace in the hole. While you can buy one with a 73kWh battery that's good for up to 326 miles, it's also offered with a far bigger 98kWh pack that promises a whopping 435 miles per charge. A sloping rear roofline might mean the back end isn't quite as accommodating as the more cavernous e-5008, but there's still oodles of space inside, along more all the tech you could really want. That battery means it's no lightweight, though, so is it any good to drive? How we test cars Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The styling Peugeot's design team has really been allowed to flex lately. The line-up is somehow now consistent yet each model looks wholly individual. The e-3008 is a great example of that, especially if you get it in one of the livelier colours (like Obsession Blue) rather than the more sober shades (Artense Grey) that tend to be so popular these days. The front end is very distinctive, with a nice theme running through the grille, badge and lighting arrangement. The same goes for that back end, which continues Peugeot's current theme for producing very eye-catching light arrays. That tailgate really does slope too, with an angle that cuts right into the rear pillar line. This is quite a high-riding model, which should mean added ease of use for folks piling family-oriented items into the front and back seats or that high-lift tailgate. The contrasting black trim flourishes along the bottom of the doors and the dark coloured roof finish things of nicely too. Inside, Peugeot has beefed up its cockpit ideas even further than its earlier electric models – albeit with some tell-tale Stellantis group switchgear. That drive mode selector must've paid for itself many times over at this point. The ambience is really quite premium in feel otherwise, despite some plastic trim on display. Even that has been executed quite well, and looks better than it sounds if you scratch your fingernails across it. Seat coverings, and indeed the seats themselves, are spot-on, with generous levels of comfort and plenty of legroom in the front and in the back. Although yes, that sloping roof does make it less practical for tall adults getting in and out. My Allure trim model didn't have the panoramic glass roof option, so things felt quite gloomy in the rear. The practical feel is enhanced still further when it comes to the boot, which is big at 588-litres, but can be made much bigger with some rear seat juggling. The drive How often do you want to think about plugging in? The 98kWh battery e-3008 really can rack up the miles before demanding a charge, but to be honest the entry-level model is perfectly adequate for most family excursions. I certainly didn't need more than the promised 326 miles of range, given my passengers were likely to need a toilet stop before the battery required more juice. Even EVs with extensive range need to charge at some point, but the e-3008 makes this as painless as possible. 160kW charging lets it get from 20% to 80% in around 20 minutes, which is barely enough time to get everybody to the loo and the shop at a decent motorway services. This car is certainly practical if you're keen to get on the move again. Having driven lots of Stellantis group cars, the e-3008's drive mode setup isn't anything out of the ordinary – but I found it delivered an enjoyable driving experience in four-wheel-drive, dual motor guise. It's quick and easy to get the hang of, even if the smaller steering wheel might irritate some drivers who will have to do a bit of column fettling in order to get their view of the dash into some kind of satisfactory setup. Nevertheless, there are useful tools at the driver's disposal, with my favourite being the regenerative braking. This can be adjusted using paddles in front of the steering wheel and, with the maximum applied, the braking arrangement adds a lot to the dynamic drive appeal of this car. Naturally, there's some weight to the Peugeot e-3008 and, while it never feels exactly cumbersome, this is an SUV that does appear quite hefty when its being worked through corners. The 19in wheels add to the weighty feel, and there is the inevitable discomfort to be had when on rougher surfaces. Something to bear in mind if you live in one of the less good bits of the UK road network. Driven carefully though, and when it's not pushed, the Peugeot e-3008 is a likeable machine with enough puff to get away nicely at the lights, junctions and roundabouts. The technology One of the most notable aspects of recent Peugeots has been the i-Cockpit, which includes the smaller, go-kart style steering wheel. I get on with the latter well, although I know some folks aren't fans. It's featured here along with the sizeable Panoramic i-Cockpit instrument and infotainment cluster, which delivers a much more impressive dashboard layout than earlier models. I found the 21in screen layout quite impressive overall, even though the graphics don't always look as premium as some of the rivals mentioned above. There wasn't anything that didn't work as expected, though, and I was especially impressed with being able to choose lots of mode options for the massage seats in my test car. The functionality did feel a little tricky to work with on the move, however, but that's par for the course in most cars with so many options buried in the infotainment screen. Like most people, I'd be inclined to make use of wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay if I was going to live with the Peugeot e-3008 for a longer period of time. It just seems much easier to interact with everyday tools, especially sat-nav, even though Peugeot has tried to make life easier for the driver by adding in touchscreen buttons that are on the large side. A smattering of regular buttons might still be the better route for core in-car tasks though. Peugeot e-3008 verdict If a chunkier, more upright body shape – and some extra seats – is required, the e-5008 remains the car to consider. However, the e-3008 will be ideally suited to most average families. The Allure model represents the best value, with performance that's absolutely fine; the GT trim packs in more goodies and there's a certain allure of the 321bhp and six-second 0-60mph of the all-wheel drive variant, though it gets penalised for the extra fun it offers by chopping the range down to 303 miles. If you simply want to get to your destination in one go though, try the Long Range edition, which can deliver up to 435 miles. Not many bladders can handle that, mind. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 The Peugeot e-3008 delivers excellent range and lots of family-focused practicality with the cheaper Allure trim option being the pick of the crop for our type of budget. Pros Impressive range on all model variants Generous levels of space and storage Distinctive looks and feels fairly premium Cons Slightly more restrictive on space Larger battery edition adds more range but at a price Ride and handling is a little rough and tumble Peugeot e-3008 technical specifications Powertrain Permanent magnet synchronous motor Battery 73kWh Power 207bhp Torque 255lb-ft 0-62mph 8.8sec Top speed 105mph Range 326 miles Maximum charge rate 160kWh Cargo volume 588 litres
Stuff.tv
28-05-2025
- Stuff.tv
This whacky battery tech could be used in your future smart home gadgets
Despite people harping on about it (which does get rather annoying), we do need to find more sustainable energy sources. Solar, nuclear, wind, and the rest are great – all with their own benefits, uses, and disadvantages. But what about for smaller devices that don't need so much power – like your outdoor smart home lights? That's what Nova Innova is working on with its microbe-powered energy sources. The tech is still very much in its early days, but gives us a glimpse at what future smart home gadgets could look like. And there's potential for the tech to go much further. In fact, it's recently been used to light an entire Peugeot photo shoot. But how exactly does it all work? And where might you start to see it crop up in your life? Here's everything you need to know about this whacky battery tech. How does it work? The science behind this next-gen energy tech is something called a Plant Microbial Fuel Cell, or P-MFC, developed in collaboration between Nova Innova and Plant-e. Essentially, it turns the soil into a miniature all-natural power station. During photosynthesis, plants produce organic compounds. Some of these trickle out through the roots and into the soil, where hungry bacteria get to work. These microbes digest the compounds and, in the process, release electrons. Cleverly placed electrodes collect these electrons and, you've got a small but steady electric current. Play It doesn't harm the plants – they keep photosynthesising, blissfully unaware they've been conscripted into the power grid. In fact, the whole system is CO₂-negative because it locks in more carbon than it emits. There are even some tests to treat the soil to try and increase the number of microbes and therefore power. But it's still in its early days. Where might this tech be used? The Living Light Park shows this off in the most charmingly Dutch way possible. I recently went for a wander through the park in Rotterdam. It's a 35-metre boardwalk with embedded lights and sensors. As you stroll along, the sensors detect your movement, and the lights glow in response, all thanks to energy pulled from the plants beneath your feet. Local residents chose the plants, gave feedback on the lighting design, and helped shape a park that shows off the next-gen energy infrastructure. Nova Innova's vision stretches far beyond Rotterdam. This tech has powered everything from home decor – like the Living Light Lamp – to large-scale commercial events. For the launch of Peugeot's all-electric E-5008 SUV, the brand lit a photoshoot using 30 microbial fuel cells powered by a cocktail of plants, mud, water, and spent coffee grounds. And this is where the smart home angle starts to make sense. Imagine bedside lamps, wall sconces, or even motion-sensitive garden lights that don't sip electricity from the grid but pull it straight from your potted fern. It's not just a nod to the sustainable – it's a way of integrating sustainability into the fabric of your daily routine, without sacrificing function or style. Plus, since these devices would generate their own power, it lessens the strain on drawing from other sustainable energy sources. Beyond homes, there's talk of environmental sensors powered by marshlands, or emergency lighting in remote areas where running a power line would cost a fortune and then some. The tech is scalable, modular, and weirdly elegant. So yes, it may sound whacky. It kind of is. But it's also clever, green, and extremely fun.
Stuff.tv
26-05-2025
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The pint-sized Leapmotor T03 was such an easy EV to review because it's so brilliantly simple
Stuff Verdict Car snobs might tut, but the Leapmotor T03 is a great value city car with perky performance, manoeuvrability and surprisingly high levels of refinement for very little outlay. Pros Affordable to buy and cheap to run Impressive levels of equipment as standard Easy to drive and even easier to park Cons Small battery and performance struggle on longer runs Touchscreen tech awkward to use on the go Bootspace is a little on the limited side Introduction Simplicity. That sums up the cute little Leapmotor T03 city car in one word. And, when it comes to EVs, being able to get in, press the accelerator and just go is one of the best things about them. The Leapmotor T03 is just such a car, with very little to figure out or set up and not an awful lot to explore either inside or out. The no-fuss small car is one of several new vehicles from Leapmotor, which is a Chinese brand that falls under the giant Stellantis umbrella. Keeping the simplistic vibe going is the price, with the Leapmotor T03 starting at around £16,000. That's not a lot and falls into the same marketplace as something like the Dacia Spring city EV. Initially, I thought the Spring was the better car, but by the end of a week spent behind the wheel of this I wasn't so sure anymore. This little car might be cheap, but it's also quite cheerful in a no-nonsense kinda way. One other simple touch is the way that there are no options when it comes to buying – there's just one model to choose from. The Leapmotor T03 comes as a standard issue, no-frills 36kWh model, which offers just 94bhp to play with. However, this little car comes complete with a decent standard trim level and packs in plenty of tech and convenience features. How we test cars Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The styling Considering this is a £16K-ish car, the Leapmotor T03 comes very nicely appointed. The finish and trim specification makes it seem like rather good value. The design lines aren't going to win it any awards, but the styling is focused firmly on practicality. There are some embellishments that take things up a notch, like the 15in alloys and panoramic sunroof impressing me with their quality look and feel. My test car arrived in a fairly innocuous colour, which didn't really do the little Leapmotor T03 any favours. To be fair, it is a slightly odd-looking thing, mainly from the front with those curiously shaped headlights framing a blanked out grille. Big door mirrors are a bonus though and these make parking a doddle, which is an obvious boon for a city car. I think I preferred the perky rear end, with a tailgate opening that's quite high off the ground. Meanwhile, the interior of the Leapmotor T03 is a very meat 'n' potatoes experience. Sure, it's quite comfortable – but there is, unsurprisingly, lots of scratchy plastic in evidence. Perfect for an around town, family car that is probably going to get lots of things spilt or smeared over the cockpit coverings. Everything feels quite robust though and I was really pleased with the view out thanks to lots of glass all the way around. A short, stubby bonnet makes it ideally suited for nervous drivers too. Space levels are not bad either, with the seats in the back being more than acceptable for a 3.5-metre or so car. The boot hiding behind that tailgate is a little on the tight side, which isn't helped due to the narrow bottom half of the design cramping its style somewhat. Fine for an average-sized weekly shop, however. The drive I quite liked the way I could jump into the Leapmotor T03 and do virtually nothing to any of the controls and just drive it. That, to me, is an ideal city car that requires minimal supervision and very little effort. Dig a little deeper and the T03 has quite a lot to offer; the catch is that most of the options are buried inside the small touchscreen on the dash. Drive is engaged using a column selector and the cabin itself is accommodating enough with decent seats and an upright driving position. Press the power button and the little T03 springs into action. It's immediately obvious that this car is perfect for tight around-town situations, with nimble steering and an excellent turning circle. Get up to speed on the open road though and it does struggle a little bit, especially in Standard mode. However, there are Comfort and Sport drive options too, with the latter adding a little friskiness into the mix. Of course, the downside to having any fun is the way the battery life ebbs away quite rapidly. This is a car with a small battery. Even charging it up to 99 percent, I couldn't get the dash to register anywhere near the supposed 165-mile top-end range. The good news, though, is the T03 can be charged really quickly, and I love the power port hidden in the grille of the car. I feared the worst for a 100-mile each way journey to the airport in the Leapmotor T03, but it worked a treat – albeit in a slightly sedate fashion. I stopped to charge twice on the way up, but that meant I was able to get back home again without stopping and still had 35 miles range left. Motorways are not its ideal habitat, but the Leapmotor got the job done without fuss. The technology Being a Chinese product, the emphasis is very much on touchscreen tech. However, it's necessary to dig through the various menu options, ideally before setting off, to get the best from what is on offer. I was quite surprised with just how many customisation options there were hiding inside the screens of this little car. Some are more obvious than others, while changing anything whilst in motion is not a great idea. It all works, but isn't especially intuitive with a patchy sat-nav system for good measure. There was a little bugginess in evidence and the visual experience isn't everything it could be, but doubtless Leapmotor engineers will read the reviews and quickly tweak the UX in due course. The 8in driver's display is cool, while the 10in screen on the dash is where the bulk of the options sit. It's alright to look at but the menu layouts were a little busy and hard to work through unless I parked up. For example, on the motorway I had to give up on the climate controls and just put up with a draft until the next services. Leapmotor T03 verdict One thing I did notice while driving the Leapmotor T03 was how much so many UK drivers liked to bully and push it around. I was cut up, tailgated and generally frowned upon by more than a few motorists. I can see why the Leapmotor T03 gets under people's skin as it looks slow and appears likely to be owned by a pensioner. A sweeping generalisation I know, but it certainly felt like that. So, a bit like the Honda Jazz, there seems to be a perception about this car and it's worth bearing that in mind. Try it though; it's fun and, like I say, simple. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 Car snobs might tut, but the Leapmotor T03 is a great value city car with perky performance, manoeuvrability and surprisingly high levels of refinement for very little outlay. Pros Affordable to buy and cheap to run Impressive levels of equipment as standard Easy to drive and even easier to park Cons Small battery and performance struggle on longer runs Touchscreen tech awkward to use on the go Bootspace is a little on the limited side Leapmotor T03 technical specifications Powertrain Permanent magnet synchronous motor Battery 37.3kWh Power 93bhp Torque 117lb-ft 0-62mph 12.7sec Top speed 80mph Range 165 miles Maximum charge rate 48kW Cargo volume 210 litres
