2023 Peugeot E-Partner pricing and features confirmed as French brand takes on Renault Kangoo E-Tech, but what about electric car versions of Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen's vans?

Peugeot will go toe-to-toe with its French rival Renault in the electric delivery van segment in a few months time.

After re-entering the commercial vehicle space a few years back, Peugeot has confirmed that the electric version of its Partner small van - dubbed E-Partner - will hit Australian showrooms in the first half of the year, but the order books are open right now.

The E-Partner also marks Peugeot’s first EV model for the Australian market. The company also recently confirmed that the electric version of the 2008 SUV is confirmed for Australia, while the electric 208 light hatch is a possibility.

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Renault is expected to launch the electric version of its delayed new-generation Kangoo van at a similar time, but specific launch timing for both models is unclear.

Pricing for the E-Partner kicks off from $59,990 before on-road costs, which is nearly $20k more than the previous range-topping Partner, that is priced at $40,878.

In its previous-generation guise, the electric Renault Kangoo ZE was priced at $50,390 before on-road costs before it was discontinued.

The E-Partner rides on Peugeot’s EMP2 modular platform and the Australian market will get the long-wheelbase version. Powering it is a 100kW/260Nm electric drivetrain, with a 50kWh lithium-ion battery.

Peugeot says it has a WLTP driving range of 245km, which is less than the 285km claim for the upcoming 2023 Renault Kangoo E-Tech. The Peugeot has a payload of up to 800kg and towing capacity of up to 750kg, and a loading volume of 3.9 cubic metres.

Peugeot Australia is yet to confirm pricing for the E-Partner.

Peugeot says it will take about 30 minutes to charge from depleted to 80 power cent using a fast charger, five hours using an 11kW wall box charger and 31 hours using a household socket.

Some standard gear includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, speed sign recognition, reversing camera and rear parking sensors. Four colours are available, but all except the standard 'Ice White' carry a $690 premium.

The only other player in the small van category is the Volkswagen Caddy, and VW brass have previously confirmed the current-gen Caddy would not get a fully electric version. That’s because the upcoming ID Buzz Cargo will fill that gap in VW’s commercial vehicle line-up.

As reported, Mercedes-Benz is readying the new-gen Citan/T-Class twins - which are based heavily on the new Kangoo - for an Australian launch, but it’s unclear if that will include an electric version.

UPDATED FROM 16/02/23