Peugeot claims top spots in real-world EV efficiency challenge

The Peugeot E-208 and E-308 have been named the two most efficient EVs in real-world use by a major independent test.

The French firm’s hatchbacks beat 82 other electric cars to the top two spots in the annual Ecotest study carried out by German automobile association ADAC. A third Peugeot – the E-2008 – also ranked sixth overall and best in the SUV class.

The Ecotest simulates real-world driving conditions, including traffic, to create a more realistic measure of cars’ efficiency than offered by the official WLTP test.

This year, the Peugeot E-208 topped the table, achieving a test figure of 16kWh/100km (3.88m/kWh), including charging losses. It was closely followed by the larger E-308, which used 16.3kWh/100km (3.81m/kWh). Both cars use a 154bhp motor paired with a 52kWh battery. The same powertrain also features in the E-2008, which managed 17.3kWh/100km (3.59m/kWh) in ADAC real-world conditions.

A Peugeot spokesperson commented: “These remarkable results demonstrate the efficiency of Peugeot’s 100% electric models. They are the result of in-depth work carried out by the brand’s engineers and designers at all levels: engines, batteries, aerodynamics.”

ADAC noted that EVs have enjoyed improvements in real-world performance in recent years, reflected in far higher scores under its overall vehicle ratings, which operate separately from its efficiency scores.

It noted: “The battle for a good rating in the ADAC car test has changed massively. A few years ago there was hardly a vehicle that was rated with a one before the decimal point, but in the test year 2024 there were a whopping 18 cars. More than half of them had a fully electric drive.

“The good reviews prove that current electric cars are really good in many respects. The shortcomings in terms of range and price are gradually becoming smaller.”