English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Peugeot iOn: city electric car, battery and what to check
The Peugeot iOn is a small electric city car manufactured in Japan and sold under the Peugeot badge (as is the Citroën C-Zero). In this article, we review the range, batteries, charging, and what to check when buying a used iOn.
iOn in brief
The iOn is the Mitsubishi i-MiEV version with a Peugeot badge: a five-door, four-seater city electric car with a single electric motor driving the rear wheels. The motor produces around 67 hp (49 kW), with a top speed of around 130 km/h.
It's designed for city driving and short trips: a tight turning circle, quiet running, and a simple drive system with no gear changes. In the used market, the iOn is one of the cheapest electric cars, but its range is limited.
Battery and range
Early models had a 16 kWh battery, but from 2013, the Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero received a slightly smaller, around 14.5 kWh, battery. The manufacturer quotes a range of up to around 150 km according to the NEDC cycle, but in reality, especially in winter and on motorways, it's significantly shorter.
Heating and air conditioning use a lot of energy, so the range drops even further in winter. With the iOn, it's best to plan short, predictable journeys rather than long routes.
Charging
The car has two charging ports: one for slow and medium AC charging and another for fast DC charging via CHAdeMO. According to the manufacturer, you can charge around 80% of the battery in about half an hour via CHAdeMO, or several hours from a domestic socket.
Before buying, check what connections are fitted and if there are charging cables. Not every public charging station has CHAdeMO, so familiarise yourself with your region's infrastructure.
What to check when buying a used iOn
The most important thing is the battery's condition. Ask to see the actual charge and range, and if possible, have a diagnostic test done. Check that there are no warning lights on the dashboard and that charging proceeds without errors.
Test the brakes (regenerative and conventional), the steering, and the 12V battery — if it's flat, the car might not start. Check the heating and air conditioning, and ensure the software is up to date if necessary.
Trim levels
The Peugeot iOn was offered with one main technical specification; battery capacity varies by year of manufacture, and equipment names depend on the country.
iOn (16 kWh)
earlier modelsThe first series with a 16 kWh battery.
- 16 kWh lithium-ion battery
- Often includes air conditioning and electric windows
- Two charging ports: AC and CHAdeMO
iOn (apie 14,5 kWh)
from 2013Later version with a slightly smaller battery and improved regeneration.
- Approximately 14.5 kWh battery
- Improved energy regeneration
- Often — additional comfort features
Pagrindiniai skirtumai
by countryEquipment varies depending on the country and package.
- Often — alloy wheels
- Often — heated seats
- Often — Bluetooth and sound system
Compare versions
| 16 kWh (ankstyva) | Apie 14,5 kWh (vėlesnė) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Short city routes | Short city routes |
| Battery | 16 kWh | Around 14.5 kWh |
| Engine | Electric, around 67 hp | Electric, around 67 hp |
| Charging | AC and CHAdeMO | AC and CHAdeMO |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € |
The iOn is suitable as a second city car if your journeys are short and you have somewhere to charge. Only consider one with a good battery condition.
Pros
- Quiet and easy to drive around town
- Low running costs
- Compact, easy to park
- No need to change gears, no clutch
Cons
- Short range and slow acceleration
- Condition of aging batteries is hard to predict
- Limited space and boot
Frequently asked questions
How far will an iOn go?
The manufacturer states up to around 150 km according to the NEDC cycle, but the real-world range is usually shorter – especially in winter and on motorways. The range of used cars can vary depending on battery condition.
Is the iOn suitable for daily commuting?
Yes, if the journey is short (up to a few tens of km each way) and there is an opportunity to charge at home or at work. It is not suitable for longer routes.
What is CHAdeMO?
This is the fast-charging standard used by the iOn. It allows you to charge a significant portion of the battery in about half an hour, but you'll need a charging station with a CHAdeMO connector.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
