The AA Driving School has chosen the Peugeot e-208 and e-2008 to launch its fleet of fully electric vehicles (EVs) for driving instructors, with Peugeot supplying two of the three electric models available to AA driving instructors.
Available for instructors to choose as of March, the e-208 models are supplied in GT trim and the e-2008 vehicles in Allure Premium specification.
“We’re thrilled to be joining the electric revolution with Peugeot to offer our instructors two great EVs in the e-208 and e-2008,” said Mark Oakley, Interim Managing Director of AA Driving School.
“We’ve had enormous interest from instructors and there is a real buzz among them to teach in the new cars from March. We hope that learning in a great EV will help give power to a new generation of electric drivers.”
The AA chose the Peugeot e-208 for its distinctive design and unique Peugeot i-Cockpit, which helps drivers enjoy greater confidence on the road through features such as the compact steering wheel and configurable 3D head-up digital instrument panel. The silent and smooth electric powertrain also provides a calm driving environment that is ideal for learning.
The e-2008 Allure Premium offers a raised driving position compared to the e-208, inspiring confidence on the road. Both models feature a suite of driver assistance systems, including Active Safety Brake, programmable cruise control and speed limiter, Lane Keeping Assist and speed limit recognition and recommendation.
“I’m pleased that Peugeot is able to work with the AA to offer its driving instructors two fully electric models to choose from – the fantastic e-208 and e-2008,” said Julie David, Managing Director, Peugeot UK.
“With the switch to electric vehicles well underway, many younger people’s first experience of driving may be behind the wheel of an electric car. With ranges of over 200 miles, comprehensive safety equipment and i-Cockpit technology, the e-208 and e-2008 will offer a great driving experience for instructors and learners alike.”
The Peugeot e-208 and e-2008 are both powered by a 50kWh battery, offering ranges of 225 and 214 miles respectively (WLTP) – more than enough to cover an AA driving instructor’s typical 120-mile average day. A choice of charging options, including 100kW rapid charging for an 80% charge in just 30 minutes, ensures instructors have plenty of flexibility whether charging at home or from public charge points. During lessons, learners can also learn how to charge and live with an electric vehicle.
By choosing a Peugeot e-208 GT over its manual petrol equivalent, the AA predicts driving instructors will reduce their annual tailpipe emissions by up to 5.7 tonnes of CO2 (based on covering 28,800 miles per year), and that instructors could also benefit from a fuel saving of over £2,600 per year.
The Peugeot e-208 was the first of a new generation of fully electric vehicles from the brand. Along with the e-2008, it forms part of Peugeot’s electrification strategy, which aims to provide electrified variants of each model in its range by 2024.
The news comes after a recent call for more EV driving lessons and tests in electric vehicles, with more learner drivers encouraged to take lessons and tests in electric cars on UK roads.
