The Citroën ë-C3 electric lease deal is coming - is this the start of cheaper and more affordable EVs

Is this the start of cheaper & affordable EV's to lease for UK customers - The Citroen e-C3 Electric is coming

The push-back against moving the UK to electric cars has seen various arguments and perspectives being proffered. This is becoming even more hotly contested with the onset of the General Election, as a firm approach to our Nation’s transportation and energy must be reached.

Indeed, the Labour Party have been pushing a message of pro-EV, with plans to create more battery manufacturing operations in the UK, create more electric car charge points and drive the UK towards a net-zero electricity position.

And support from the political elites is absolutely crucial if more is to follow at the coal face. The businesses involved in the creation, supply and the management of EVs do need reassurance that they are investing in the correct industry (including the team at e-car!).

It is unsurprising that CEOs of the big car companies, like Carlos Tavares of Stellantis, have been communicating their concerns of approaches and policies, with financial viability high on the agenda. Tavares noted that EVs were proving to be more expensive to produce and therefore difficult to maintain price parity with the traditional combustion options.

Added to that is the competition from China, who are much further along than many of the automotive giants in Europe and the USA. Admittedly, things are tough for many car manufacturers at present.

But amidst the CEO’s concerns, one of the big subsidiaries of Stellantis, the Citroen group, formerly launched their latest all-electric proposition - the Citroën ë-C3 . Kicking off a “French Revolution”, this small EV is aiming to display myths that battery technology in your vehicles is available for businesses and wealthy individuals only.

Launching in Europe at €23,300 (or £22,000 for the UK), this small SUV is aiming to be a disrupter in the market. Clean, simple and ergonomic, the brand are looking to bring value and practicability to the BEV segment.

As per the press release, there will be campaigns in Europe for €99 per month deals, as many still have grants and support available to go electric. Edgy and provocative, the Citroen team will also be looking to solidify the customer experience by rationalising the order process on their website.

For the majority of European customers, all the information about the vehicle / colour is available on one clear page and time spent building / configuring the vehicle is set to be 50% quicker. Digital and connected is the name of the game.

And for UK customers, they can head to the Citroen manufacturer website to find out more on the e-C3. In terms of options, there are set to be 3 specification levels including:

•  LIVE - this will include body coloured bumpers, glossy black door mirrors, Matte Black front grille, MyCitroen connect, air conditioning, smartphone storage and charger and reversing sensors;
•  FEEL - this adds wheel arch cladding, glossy black roof rails, chrome front panel, high gloss black door mirrors, satin chrome accents, Connect touchscreen, Bluetooth, 4-speaker sound system, wireless connectivity, keyless entry, parcel shelf and USB ports; and

•  SHINE- this has front and rear skid plates, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable mirrors, rear view camera.

In terms of colour choices, there will be 4 monotones including polar white, platinum grey, steel grey and cosmo blue. Plus 7 dual tones which add the grey, white or blue roof. There will be 5 customisation packs, including Polar white, zesty orange, platinum grey, cosmo blue and the chrome elegance. And to support the driver, a robust 7-year battery warranty and a 3-year car warranty is offered.

But how does the Citroen C3 EV actually perform, is it a good car?

This FWD SUV will have a 44.0 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 11 seconds, 84 mph top speeds and 83 kW (or 111hp). Expect a combined winter range of 135 miles with warmer weather allowing for 190 miles – a 165 mile combined.

On charging, the 7.4 kW AC max will allow for 7 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 100 kW DC maximum allowing 32 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 310L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 152 mpg. You can tow with this EV – 550kg (Unbraked) and 550kg (Braked). It has no V2L or V2G capabilities (so far).

Will this Citroen C3 EV be popular?

The Citroen is getting positive feedback for the comfortable drive and reasonable EV performance. And of course, this will be one of the cheapest options to buy or lease in 2024! The cons include the 165 real world range (which limits this to lower-mileage customers) and the AC could have benefitted from the 11kW AC upgrade.

              
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