New Citroën e-C3 will have a range of 186 miles and will be the UK's cheapest electric car...
On sale early 2024 Price from £21,370 (est)
If you’ve always thought that choosing an electric car would be an expensive decision, then the new Citroën e-C3 aims to make you think again. That’s because, when it arrives at the start of next year, it will be the cheapest new electric car you can buy.
In fact, the e-C3’s estimated starting price of £21,370 – it’ll cost 25,000 euros in Europe – will make it around £10,000 cheaper than its sister cars, the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric, which are priced from £31,345 and £33,930 respectively, it also undercuts the slightly larger MG4 by £5625. Citroën makes an even cheaper electric vehicle, the Ami, although that is a quadricycle rather than a car.
Citroën cites the fact that the car will be made in Europe as one reason for its low price. We believe that it may also be due to the use of light materials and a small battery, which would bring down production costs and help the model maintain a respectable range between charges.
According to its maker, the e-C3 will do at least 186 miles before needing to be recharged, which is a little below the official figure of 224 miles for the e-208, and the 222 official range of the Corsa Electric. It’s expected that the e-C3 will have a 56kW battery and a single motor, the same set-up as is predicted for the new C3 Aircross.
No images of the e-C3 have been revealed yet, but we expect it to draw fairly heavily on the Citroën Oli concept car for styling and sustainability. Citroën has previously stated that unusual features from the Oli, such as the bonnet and boot formed from ultra-tough cardboard compound, the tubular seat frames with 3D printed seat backs and wheels made from a combination of aluminium and steel will all feature in future models.
We do know that the e-C3 will not be any longer than the previous C3. At four metres, it’ll be similar in length to the e-208 and Corsa Electric, and a little shorter than the MG4 and Volkswagen ID 3.
It is also likely to adhere to the Citroën ethos of prioritising comfort. However, like other affordable small electric cars, we expect it to do without a built-in infotainment system, instead having some sort of smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
More information on the e-C3 will be announced in October.
Keyword: 2024 Citroen e-C3 previewed