The New Citroen e-C3: A European Alternative to Affordable Electric Vehicles
The New Citroen e-C3: A European Alternative to Affordable Electric Vehicles
Will the Citroen e-C3 become the top choice for affordable electric vehicles in Europe?
Citroen has introduced the e-C3, a European alternative to affordable electric vehicles from China. Priced at €23,300 in France, the e-C3 aims to be a spiritual successor to the iconic 2CV. With its competitive pricing and impressive features, it is set to make waves in the market.
The new Citroen e-C3 is taking the electric vehicle market by storm in Europe, providing a viable alternative to the affordable options from China. Priced from €23,300 in France, this electric hatchback hopes to capture the hearts of consumers with its nostalgic nod to the classic 2CV. Its competitive pricing puts it in a favorable position against its rivals.
In the UK, the e-C3 is expected to be priced £2000 to £3000 cheaper than the BYD Dolphin, which offers similar size and features. This makes it an attractive option for British buyers looking for an affordable electric vehicle.
Meanwhile, in China, the Dacia Spring is another contender in the affordable electric vehicle market with a starting price of €20,800. While it may have a basic electric motor and battery, it still appeals to budget-conscious buyers.
The e-C3 is equipped with an 83kW electric motor that provides ample power for everyday driving. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in approximately 11 seconds, reaching a top speed of 135km/h. Its 320km WLTP range rating ensures that drivers can travel long distances without worrying about running out of power.
One of the standout features of the e-C3 is its design. It showcases Citroen’s new, squarer design language that debuted with the 2022 Oli concept. Inside the cabin, the driver is greeted by a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, giving a sporty and modern feel. The instrumentation display is unique, with a thin projection-based head-up display strip located high on the dashboard.
The e-C3 comes in two trim levels. The entry-level You grade offers a smartphone dock at the center of the dashboard, providing easy connectivity for drivers and passengers. The Max variant boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as other premium features like wireless smartphone charging and a reversing camera.
Despite its compact size, the e-C3 offers versatility. It measures 4.01m long, 1.76m wide, and 1.57m tall, making it 19mm longer, 6mm wider, and approximately 100mm taller than the current C3 hatch. Its ground clearance of 163mm highlights its transformation from a hatch to a crossover, providing a more rugged appearance and improved off-road capability.
The e-C3 is built on a reworked version of the Stellantis Smart Car platform, specifically tailored to meet European standards. This platform has previously been used for vehicles developed for emerging markets like India and Brazil, making the e-C3 a unique offering in Citroen’s lineup.
Production of the e-C3 will take place in Slovakia, alongside the existing C3 models. It is set to be available for sale in Europe from the second quarter of 2024. As for its availability in Australia, there is no confirmation yet.
Looking to the future, Citroen may expand the e-C3 range to include petrol-based models, as the platform supports both electric and combustion engine drivetrains. This could provide more options for consumers and cater to a wider audience.
- The e-C3 is priced from €23,300 in France.
- In the UK, it is expected to be cheaper than the BYD Dolphin.
- The Dacia Spring starts from €20,800 in China.
- It has an 83kW electric motor and a 320km WLTP range.
- The e-C3 features a new design language and innovative technology.
- Two trim levels are available with various features.
- It is larger and more versatile than the current C3.
- The e-C3 is based on a reworked version of the Stellantis Smart Car platform.
- It will be produced in Slovakia and available in Europe from 2024.
- Petrol-based models may be added to the range in the future.
The Citroen e-C3 is a European alternative to affordable electric vehicles, offering competitive pricing, impressive features, and a stylish design. With its range of trim levels and versatile size, it aims to cater to various consumer preferences. As the market for electric vehicles continues to grow, the e-C3 presents a compelling option for those looking to make the switch to electric driving. With its anticipated arrival in 2024, it is set to make a splash in the European automotive scene. Will it be able to rival the established players and capture a significant market share? Only time will tell.
