Citroen to Launch £15,000 Electric Van Based on e-C3
Citroën is set to re-enter the small commercial vehicle market with an all-electric van version of its new ë-C3, with a target price of £15,000.
The commercial variant is expected to launch in April, with a starting price likely to be around £15,035 before VAT, but this includes the UK’s Plug-in Van Grant. It will be built to N1 classification. The Dacia Spring Cargo will be the only cheaper van on the market, at £14,995 excluding VAT, but the ë-C3 van is expected to offer a longer range.
Based on the larger-battery (44kWh) version of the ë-C3, the van is slated to offer a range of 200 miles, around one mile more than the standard car due to the slightly reduced weight, and will feature charging speeds up to 100kW. The vehicle will be powered by a 111bhp electric motor.
Citroën UK boss Greg Taylor told Autocar that the brand “can see a niche” for such a model. “Ford used to sell thousands of Fiesta vans,” he said. “Part of our goal is to reinvigorate that segment, and we’re excited to start with this.”
The ë-C3 van is designed to cater to last-mile deliveries and short-distance journeys, targeting businesses that don’t require a larger van.
“It’s gone to tenders and there are use cases,” Taylor explained. “There are people who don’t need a Berlingo and it can give something that the market can’t offer at the moment.”
The new van will have the rear seats and seatbelt points removed, and a mesh bulkhead installed. It will offer 1.3 square meters of load space. Otherwise, it will feature all the same amenities as the car, including the Advanced Comfort front seats and suspension.
This launch is part of Citroën’s broader strategy to introduce a range of affordable EVs. The firm already offers five EVs under £30,000, including the ë-C4 and ë-C4 X, which have had their prices reduced to start from £26,295 and £27,360 respectively. The Ami, ë-C3, and upcoming ë-C3 Aircross make up the remaining models.
Citroën is also developing an eight-year warranty, to be rolled out across its entire model range. Taylor noted the finer details and launch date are currently being finalized; however, the brand views this as a method to retain aftersales and servicing within its network, as well as to maintain long-term relationships with both new and used car buyers. Taylor stated that this move isn’t reactionary, but rather, a plan to sustain Citroën’s “upward trajectory”, particularly during the current refresh of its entire model range.
