Photo: Citroen
The electric vehicle market is heating up in Europe after Citroen, a brand of Stellantis, launched the e-C3. The subcompact EV offers up to 199 miles of range at an unbeatable price of $24,600, making it the most affordable electric car in its segment.
Stellantis has not impressed with its electric vehicle offensive in the US despite being one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. The Franco-Italo-American carmaker doesn't have an electric vehicle in its US catalog, although several EV models are in the pipeline. It's a different story in Europe, where Stellantis is one of the top dogs, thanks to popular brands like Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, and Opel.
Stellantis is already offering compelling electric vehicles in the European market, although most are not that affordable. The carmaker is now putting much more pressure on its European rivals with the launch of the Citroen e-C3. This marks the moment the C3 electric supermini is moving to a zero-emission powertrain with the model's fourth generation.
Traditionally, Stellantis launches sister models under the Peugeot, Citroen, and Opel brands, and the C3 subcompact was closely related to the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa. Still, the Citroen e-C3 has few things in common with its current Peugeot and Opel brothers. It is the first European model built on the global Smart Car platform used for models sold in emerging markets like India and South America. The Citroen e-C3 arrives less than a year after Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares announced that it would import Indian EVs into Europe.
The Europe-bound Citroen e-C3 resembles the gas-powered C3 launched two years ago in India and South America, although some design changes exist. With a front face inspired by the Citroen Oli concept, the e-C3 sits at the crossroads between crossovers and hatchbacks. It has a generous ground clearance of 163 mm (6.4 inches) and decorations that make it look like a rugged SUV, albeit a miniature one.
The French supermini is powered by an 83-kW/111-horsepower electric motor, which allows it to sprint from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) in 11 seconds. The top speed is limited to 135 kph (84 mph). The 44-kWh battery pack offers up to 320 km (199 miles) of range, although this estimate follows the European WLTP standard, which is overly optimistic.
A lesser variant with 200 km (124 miles) of range will arrive in 2025, making the subcompact EV even more affordable. Instead of 23,300 euros ($24,600), the entry-level model will cost just 19,990 euros ($21,100), which is as low as you can get an EV in the European B-segment.
The DC fast-charging capability allows the Citroen e-C3 to charge from 20% to 80% in 26 minutes when hooked to a 100-kW charger. The same process takes more than four hours using a 7-kW AC charger or less than three hours on an 11-kW AC charger.
Citroen promises best-in-class comfort with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions for a true "magic carpet ride" feeling. This is doubled by the Advanced Comfort Seats with additional foam to provide a softer feel during longer road trips. A comprehensive driver assistance package is offered with features such as Active Safety Brake, Lane Departure Warning, or Speed Limit Recognition.
Stellantis is already offering compelling electric vehicles in the European market, although most are not that affordable. The carmaker is now putting much more pressure on its European rivals with the launch of the Citroen e-C3. This marks the moment the C3 electric supermini is moving to a zero-emission powertrain with the model's fourth generation.
Traditionally, Stellantis launches sister models under the Peugeot, Citroen, and Opel brands, and the C3 subcompact was closely related to the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa. Still, the Citroen e-C3 has few things in common with its current Peugeot and Opel brothers. It is the first European model built on the global Smart Car platform used for models sold in emerging markets like India and South America. The Citroen e-C3 arrives less than a year after Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares announced that it would import Indian EVs into Europe.
The Europe-bound Citroen e-C3 resembles the gas-powered C3 launched two years ago in India and South America, although some design changes exist. With a front face inspired by the Citroen Oli concept, the e-C3 sits at the crossroads between crossovers and hatchbacks. It has a generous ground clearance of 163 mm (6.4 inches) and decorations that make it look like a rugged SUV, albeit a miniature one.
The French supermini is powered by an 83-kW/111-horsepower electric motor, which allows it to sprint from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) in 11 seconds. The top speed is limited to 135 kph (84 mph). The 44-kWh battery pack offers up to 320 km (199 miles) of range, although this estimate follows the European WLTP standard, which is overly optimistic.
A lesser variant with 200 km (124 miles) of range will arrive in 2025, making the subcompact EV even more affordable. Instead of 23,300 euros ($24,600), the entry-level model will cost just 19,990 euros ($21,100), which is as low as you can get an EV in the European B-segment.
The DC fast-charging capability allows the Citroen e-C3 to charge from 20% to 80% in 26 minutes when hooked to a 100-kW charger. The same process takes more than four hours using a 7-kW AC charger or less than three hours on an 11-kW AC charger.
Citroen promises best-in-class comfort with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions for a true "magic carpet ride" feeling. This is doubled by the Advanced Comfort Seats with additional foam to provide a softer feel during longer road trips. A comprehensive driver assistance package is offered with features such as Active Safety Brake, Lane Departure Warning, or Speed Limit Recognition.
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