Peugeot will present its new Partner Electric van at the Hanover Motor Show this month. The new 100 per cent electric version will go into production in the spring of 2013.

Based on the new Partner, launched in early 2012, the Partner Electric uses the very latest technological innovations. A range of 170km (European cycle (NEDC)), places Partner Electric as the new benchmark in the electric small van segment.

Equipped with an electric drive train fitted under the bonnet, the Partner Electric operates on two high-energy lithium-ion battery packs with a capacity of 22.5kW/h. The battery packs are fitted to the under body of the vehicle, either side of the rear axle, to preserve load space.

Partner Electric has a high performance and compact electric motor. This motor offers high performance with a power of 49kW (67bhp) and torque of 200Nm, available instantly. The silent operation, a characteristic of electric vehicles, completes the driving pleasure found on board the Partner Electric.

An energy consumption indicator is a constant aid for the driver to adopt an economical driving style. The 100% electric heating system provides rapid warming of the cabin, whilst an ‘eco mode’ maintains ventilation in the cabin without excessive consumption of electrical power, helping to preserve the range of the vehicle.

The trip computer displays the remaining range and the average energy consumption in kWh. Partner Electric recovers energy during deceleration but also during active braking, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. In this way the driving range is better preserved.

To make it suitable for all types of daily use, Partner Electric benefits from two charging modes for its battery: a normal charge (up to 16A) in 6 to 9 hours and a fast charge (up to 125A) allowing recovery of 80% of the capacity of the batteries in only 30 minutes. The normal charging flap is located on the right hand front wing of the vehicle, while the fast charge socket takes the place of the fuel filler flap on the left hand rear wing.

The new 100% electric version offers business users a solution for every use. It offers responsible mobility and unequalled ease of driving, without making any compromises in the strengths that the Partner range is known for: the Partner modularity and practicality is a benchmark in its segment.

Available in two lengths (L1: 4.38m and L2: 4.63m), the Partner Electric offers the largest load volumes in the small van segment. The load volume of up to 3,7m3 (L2) with a load length of 2.05m and a payload of up to 685kg, are the best in its category. When the optional bench seat that can accommodate three people at the front, is folded away, load volume increases to 4.1m3 (L2) with a load length of 3.25m.

An electronic stability system (ESP) as standard, coupled with hill start assist, positions the Partner Electric as the benchmark in the segment in terms of safety and driver convenience.

Peugeot, a pioneer and world leader in the production of electric vehicles, is aware of its responsibilities in controlling emissions and declares its ambition to be the leader in the development of sustainable mobility solutions. The average CO2 emissions for Peugeot models stood at 125.2g/km at the end of May 2012, surpassing the 130g/km bar fixed by the European Commission for 2015.

The new Partner Electric is borne from the cooperative agreement between Peugeot and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 2010. As with the other Partner models, the new Partner Electric will be produced at PSA Peugeot-Citroën’s Vigo plant in Spain.

Prices and equipment levels for the Irish market will be announced closer to launch.