The All-Electric Citroën ë-C3 (SUV): The Complete Guide For The UK

Citroën ë-C3
Price: £21,990
Type of electric vehicle: Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body type: SUV
Battery size: 44 kWh
Electric range (WLTP): 198 miles
Tailpipe emissions: 0g (CO2/km)

Overview


Citroën is a leading French automobile manufacturer, now owned by Netherlands based Stellantis N.V., which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Italian/ American) and Groupe PSA (French). Stellantis owns a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of leading automotive brands, to include, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Jeep, FIAT, Alfa Romeo etc. Previously, Peugeot owned a 89.95% stake in the company.

But of course, Citroën started life in 1919 in a much humbler context. The company was founded by André Citroën, a French industrialist. Though Citroën has had many successful models, the Citroën 2CV certainly stands out. The car was unveiled in 1948 and remained in production up until 1990. In total, over 9 million 2CV variants were manufactured during this period. In 2009 Citroën announced the introduction of a premium brand ‘DS’ (Different Spirit/ Distinctive Series). Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 points of sale and service throughout the world. 

The Citroen electric vehicle (EV) portfolio includes both, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models: 



Electric Cars: The Basics


For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:


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The All-Electric Citroën ë-C3 SUV


If there is a trend that is gaining significant momentum, and for good reason, it is, the introduction of new compact SUVs, in particular, compact zero-tailpipe emission SUVs. The view that SUVs have to be ‘big and bad’ is now fast changing to ‘small and beautiful’. Automotive manufacturers (OEMs) from across the globe have been actively developing battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for this segment. Some examples are: the all-electric BYD Atto 3 SUV, the all-electric Fiat 600e SUV, the all-electric Honda e: Ny1 SUV, the all-electric Kia EV3 SUV, the all-electric Smart #1 , the all-electric Smart #3 and more!

The all-electric Citroën ë-C3 SUV (B-segment) joins a segment with both, significant potential, but also fierce competition. Having said that, the ë-C3 has much to offer for those families keen to migrate to an affordable and compact pure electric car. The ëC3 BEV is available in two trims, with prices starting at just under £22k (cost-effective). Certainly affordable and value for money, and making the ë-C3 one of the cheapest electric cars today! The new ë-C3 is the first model from parent company Stellantis to feature the new and ‘BEV-focussed’ Smart Car platform.

We encourage consumers to not look only at the retail price of a vehicle, but also the life-cycle cost of ownership of a vehicle, to include: maintenance, repair, servicing, recharging (refilling) etc. In reality, after factoring all costs related to ownership of a vehicle, EVs have far lower life-cycle costs compared to owning a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle. Switching to electric driving saves money, and also reduces the impact on the environment.

The Citroën ë-C3 electric has a 44 kWh (349V) onboard LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) EV battery, with a claimed range up to 199 miles (WLTP). The Japanese automotive manufacturer Honda, was one of the first few global OEMs to challenge the notion that all electric cars had to have a large onboard EV battery. Honda argued that most day-to-day driving needs, in particular, in cities and towns, are short commutes (i.e. school runs, grocery store, local high street, gym, work etc).

Honda further argued that a smaller EV battery is far more than adequate for such consumers, providing more than adequate e-range, lowering the cost of the electric vehicle (EV) and also lowering its life-cycle emission environmental footprint. The all-electric Honda-e was developed on this approach. The Honda-e has a 35.5 kWh EV battery! For those new to electric driving, pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to a petrol and diesel car. The most significant component of an all-electric car is the onboard EV battery, which could account for as much as 60% of the cost of an electric vehicle (EV). In recent years, the industry has witnessed a significant decrease in battery costs, and this trend is set to continue!

We agreed then, and even agree today, that compact zero-tailpipe emission electric vehicles should be a preferred choice for consumers. Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the ë-C3 pure electric should be able to deliver a real-world e-range up to 170 miles on a full charge. Perfect for families living in towns and cities. For those occasional longer distance trips, the EV can be DC rapid charged up to 100 kW DC (20%-80%: 26 minutes).

For home charging, the ë-C3 electric can be fully charged at 7.4 kW (single-phase) via a smart electric car charger in 7 hours and 10 minutes. Citroën offers an upgrade to a three-phase (11 kW AC) onboard charger. However, as most homes in the UK are powered by single-phase power supply, upgrading is not necessary. Of course, if you have access to 3-phase AC EV charging, it is then worth considering. The BEV can be fully charged in 4 hours and 50 minutes via a dedicated three-phase smart EV charger.

If you are new to electric driving, EVs are predominantly charged at home, usually overnight, when the electricity tariff rates are the lowest. However, charging an electric car at home can become even cheaper by installing home solar panels and battery storage. At e-zoomed we offer very attractive home solar & home battery storage bundle offers of varying sizes and budgets. 

The five-door electric SUV is available in two trims, the ë-C3 Plus and the ë-C3 Max. Both trims offer as standard: 10.25″ touchscreen, head-up display, wireless smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto), hill start assist, cruise control/ speed limiter, safety pack (video-based active safety brake, active lane departure warning system, speed limit recognition), driver attention alert and more! The Citroën ë-C3 has yet to be awarded the EURO NCAP Safety Rating. In any case, given the price tag, the BEV offers a decent level of equipment and interior quality (does not feel cheap!). Sadly, it does not offer a sunroof! Interior space is adequate given the compact dimensions of the EV, though a little tight for taller passengers seated in the rear.

In terms of size, the five-seat ë-C3 is even more compact than the #3 and 600e. The ë-C3 is 4m in length and 1.57m in height. In comparison, the 600e is 4.1m in length and 1.52m in height, while the #3 is 4.4m in length and 1.55m in height. The taller height for the ë-C3 helps improve headroom for taller passengers! The ë-C3 BEV offers a 310 L boot. By way of comparison the Smart #3 SUV offers a 370 L boot and the Fiat 600e offers up to 360 L. The ë-C3 is a reinvention of the conventional five-door Citroën C3 hatchback, first introduced in 2002 (sold more than 5.6 million units since the launch). The fourth-generation variant is the new Citroën design language, first unveiled in 2022 on the Citroën Oli concept car.

The front-wheel drive (FWD) 83 kW (electric motor) ë-C3 can achieve 0-62 mph in 10.4 seconds (maximum power: 113 HP/ torque: 124.5 Nm). The top speed of the EV is 82 mph. The BEV also incorporates regenerative braking. Given the primary focus of this BEV are urban drivers, the performance on offer is more than adequate. The EV does not offer a heat pump.

Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax charge for pure electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!



PROS CONS
An affordable electric car (one of the cheapest BEVs in the market)No heat pump
Decent real-world electric range/ DC charging up to 100 kW DCSmaller boot compared to other compact electric SUVs
Comfortable interiors with decent level of equipment No frunk

Gallery


The All-Electric Citroën ë-C3 SUV (credit: Citroën)


At A Glance
EV Type:Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body Type:SUV
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):Not Available
Engine:Electric
Available In UK:Yes

Variants (2 Options)
Citroën ë-C3 Plus (from £21,990)
Citroën ë-C3 Max (from £23,690)

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:Available in one battery size: 44 kWh
Charging:100 kW DC charging (20%-80%: 26 mins). Onboard AC charger: 7.4 kW AC Standard (0%-100%: 7 hrs 10 mins)/ 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 4 hrs 50 mins)
Charge Port:Type 2
EV Cable Type: Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:0g (CO2/km)
EV Battery Warranty:8 years or 100,000 miles (70% capacity)

Average Cost Of Residential Charging
Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh £2.40
Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh£4.32
Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh£5.64
Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh£6.48
Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh£7.20
Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh£9.22
Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh£10.22
Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh£11.09
Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh£12.96
Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh£14.40
  • Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
  • Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.

Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
  • Note 1: SoC: state of charge

Dimensions
Height (mm):1577
Width (mm):1813
Length (mm):4015
Wheelbase (mm):2540
Turning Circle (m):10.6
Boot Space (L):310 (seats folded: 1,188 L)
Frunk (L):N/A

ë-C3
EV Battery Capacity:44 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):198 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):174
Charging: 100 kW DC charging (20%-80%: 26 mins). Onboard AC charger: 7.4 kW AC Standard (0%-100%: 7 hrs 10 mins)/ 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 4 hrs 50 mins)
Top Speed:82 mph
0-62 mph:10.4 seconds
Drive: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):83
Horsepower (hp):113
Torque (Nm): 124.5
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,416
Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg):550/550
Colours:6
NCAP Safety Rating:N/A

While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.


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Author

Ashvin Suri

Ashvin has been involved with the renewables, energy efficiency and infrastructure sectors since 2006. He is passionate about the transition to a low-carbon economy and electric transportation. Ashvin commenced his career in 1994, working with US investment banks in New York. Post his MBA from the London Business School (1996-1998), he continued to work in investment banking at Flemings (London) and JPMorgan (London). His roles included corporate finance advisory, M&A and capital raising. He has been involved across diverse industry sectors, to include engineering, aerospace, oil & gas, airports and automotive across Asia and Europe. In 2010, he co-founded a solar development platform, for large scale ground and roof solar projects to include, the UK, Italy, Germany and France. He has also advised on various renewable energy (wind and solar) utility scale projects working with global institutional investors and independent power producers (IPP’s) in the renewable energy sector. He has also advised in key international markets like India, to include advising large-scale industrial and automotive group in India. Ashvin has also advised Indian Energy, an IPP backed by Guggenheim (a US$ 165 billion fund). He has also advised a US$ 2 billion, Singapore based group. Ashvin has also worked in the real estate and infrastructure sector, to including working with the Matrix Group (a US$ 4 billion property group in the UK) to launch one of the first few institutional real estate funds for the Indian real estate market. The fund was successfully launched with significant institutional support from the UK/ European markets. He has also advised on water infrastructure, to include advising a Swedish clean technology company in the water sector. He has also been involved with a number of early stage ventures.

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