Your Definitive Guide to the new Citroen e-C3 Aircross Electric Car Lease

The new Citroen e-C3 Aircross Electric Car Lease - Your definitive guide

Electric car stories for today (24 June 2024) are filled with analysis of quite a monumental story, which has been progressing over the last few weeks - the EU vs China. It is no secret that the Chinese economy is far more developed when it comes to EV technology, with far more manufacturers, battery production and infrastructure compared to many of the Western economies.

On the surface this wasn’t an issue for the USA or EU, with many manufacturers using Chinese battery production resources and there being little Chinese product making its way into their markets. But over the last few years, new brands have entered the market like BYD, SAIC, OMODA and Geely.

Indeed some of these products sit behind traditionally British and European car manufacturers like MG and Volvo. And in the last 2 - 3 years the growing pains in the UK and EU for their electric car markets have perhaps been exacerbated by cheaper, and arguably better, Asian cars.

In recent months, some brands have been particularly outspoken about the far-east competition, with some leaning on the EU to intervene. And as we documented last week, the EU confirmed just that, with a clear intention to impose some significant tariffs on Chinese brands, ranging from around 17% - 38% in addition to the existing 10%.

Unsurprisingly there have been some updates, with the Chinese trade officials now set to have talks with the EU members. As reported in the BBC the story is not yet over for this situation.

Not every EU member state has been supportive of these protectionist measures, with Germany identifying some concerns about this policy. Indeed, the USA enforced a sizeable 100% tariff on Chinese product, as that nation continues to struggle with its own electrification agenda.

But the Chinese are clearly not just accepting this decision with a clear intention to work through these significant tariffs. And many, including car manufacturers like Stellantis, are concerned about trade wars and trade fragmentation - especially when it comes to electric vehicles, where shared vehicle platforms and technologies are making this transition more seamless. The upcoming few weeks will be interesting for all of us, especially the UK, where China may begin to focus its attention on.

But any manufacturer seeking to break into the UK will have some fierce competition. The Stellantis-backed Citroen group is just one entity which has so far proved to be very resourceful and ambitious, particularly for more consumer and retail type vehicles.

Learn more about the new Citroen C3 Aircross

Having recently launched the new e-C3, the brand are also bringing an Aircross version. Based on more crossover and MPV stylings, the electric C3 Aircross will look to add even more practicality and robustness to the UK’s electric market. This is going to add a new 7-seat option for British drivers, who have so far been limited to cars like the Mercedes EQB and Kia EV9. With Peugeot announcing a more affordable e-5008, news of an even cheaper compact 7-seater is especially welcome.

As per the Citroen manufacturer website this will be a benchmark compact SUV, with ample wheelbase and a 3rd row of retractable seats for two additional passengers. As Citroen set out on their website, this is about making electric mobility more affordable and accessible for all, with a motoring solution for the average family.

The rumoured starting price tag of circa £25,000 is certainly consistent with this and is more than acceptable for many of our cheap EV leasing customers.

But how will the new Citroen e-C3 Aircross perform?

As per the below, Citroen will offer the following battery option:

•  This FWD SUV will have a 44.0 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 12.9 seconds, 90 mph top speeds and 83 kW (or 111hp). Expect a combined winter range of 130 miles with warmer weather allowing for 175 miles – a 155 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 460L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 143 mpg. You can tow with this EV – 350kg (Unbraked) and 350kg (Braked). It has no V2L or V2G capabilities (so far).

And with this being early into the launch phase, there is limited information of what customers can expect with their new Aircross EV. But if this follows the upcoming e-C3 expect the below:

•  PLUS – this will include a 10.25” centre screen, wireless smartphone mirroring, Apple CarPlay, Advanced Comfort Seats and Suspension, active lane departure warning, cruise control, speed limit detection and hill start assist, heated and adjustable door mirrors, dark tinted windows, 16” alloys and navigation; and   

•  MAX – this will add rear parking camera, air conditioning, LED rear lights, dark-tinted windows, heated steering wheel, heat fronts seats and real-time traffic awareness navigation, Connect Plus services and 17” alloys.

Need more help and advice on your new 7-seater Citroen C3? Just get in touch with our team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]

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