Citroen has unveiled its latest electric car, the e-C3, which aims to be the first affordable electric car for the European market. The e-C3 is based on the Smart Car Platform, a modular architecture developed by Stellantis, the parent company of Citroen and other brands such as Peugeot, Fiat, and Opel. The e-C3 will go on sale in the summer of 2024, with a starting price of around $24,500 (23,300 Euros).
The 2024 Citroen e-C3 is the fourth generation of the C3 model, which has been one of Citroen’s best-selling cars since its launch in 2002. The previous generations of the C3 were powered by petrol or diesel engines, but the new e-C3 is a purely electric car that promises to offer a range of up to 199 miles (320 kilometers) on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle. The e-C3 also features a new design language that gives it a more rugged and distinctive look, inspired by the Oli Concept that Citroen presented in 2022.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the features, specifications, and performance of the e-C3, and compare it with some of its competitors in the small electric car segment.
Design and Dimensions
The e-C3 has a compact and boxy shape, with a length of 13.4 feet (4.1 meters), a width of 5.8 feet (1.77 meters), and a height of 5.2 feet (1.59 meters). The wheelbase is 8.5 feet (2.6 meters), which allows for a spacious interior and a decent boot space of 10.94 cubic feet (310 liters).
The Citroen e-C3 has a distinctive front end, with a large Citroen logo that integrates the LED daytime running lights. The headlights are slim and angular, and the bumper has a wide air intake and fog lights. The side profile of the e-C3 features black wheel arch cladding, roof rails, and a sloping roofline. The rear end of the e-C3 has a spoiler, a tailgate with a large window, and LED taillights that extend to the quarter panels.
The 2024 Citroen e-C3 will be available in two trim levels: You and Max. The You trim will offer 16-inch steel wheels, while the Max trim will have 17-inch alloy wheels and a two-tone exterior paint. The e-C3 will also have a range of customization options, such as different colors for the roof, the mirrors, and the interior.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the e-C3 is designed to be simple, functional, and comfortable. The dashboard has a stepped layout, with a digital driver’s display on top, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the center, and a shelf-like area below for storage. The infotainment system will support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. The e-C3 will also have a head-up display, automatic climate control, and a multifunction steering wheel.
The e-C3 will offer five seats, with fabric upholstery and colored accents. The front seats will have manual adjustment, while the rear seats will have a 60/40 split-folding function. The e-C3 will also have a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a sound system with six speakers.
The e-C3 will have a range of safety and driver assistance features, such as emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rearview camera, and cruise control. The e-C3 will also have a keyless entry and start system and a remote app allowing the driver to check the battery status, pre-condition the cabin, and locate the car.
Battery and Performance
The e-C3 will be powered by a 44-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) battery, which is a type of battery that is more stable and durable than conventional lithium-ion batteries. The battery will feed a 113-horsepower (84-kilowatt) electric motor, which will drive the front wheels. The e-C3 will have a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h), and will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in around 11 seconds.
The e-C3 will have a range of up to 199 miles (320 km) on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle. This is less than some of its rivals, such as the BYD Dolphin Active (211 miles or 340 km) and the MG 4 SE (218 miles or 350 km), but more than others, such as the Mazda MX-30 (124 miles or 200 km). Citroen will also offer a cheaper version of the e-C3 in 2025, with a 24-kWh battery and a range of 124 miles (200 km).
The e-C3 will have a fast charging capability, with a CCS port that can accept up to 100 kW of power. This means that the e-C3 can be charged from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes at a public charging station. The e-C3 will also have a Type 2 port that can be used for home or workplace charging, with a 7-kW charger that can fully charge the battery in around six hours.
Comparison with Competitors
The e-C3 will face a lot of competition in the small electric car segment, which is growing rapidly in Europe. Here is a comparison table with some of the main competitors of the e-C3, based on their price, range, and performance.
| Model | Price (USD) | Range (miles) | Power (hp) | 0-62 mph (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citroen e-C3 | $24,500 | 199 | 113 | 11 |
| BYD Dolphin Active | $25,000 | 211 | 136 | 8.9 |
| MG 4 SE | $23,000 | 218 | 156 | 8.2 |
| Mazda MX-30 | $28,000 | 124 | 143 | 9.7 |
| Peugeot e-208 | $29,000 | 217 | 136 | 8.1 |
| Renault Zoe | $27,000 | 245 | 134 | 9.5 |
As we can see, the 2024 Citroen e-C3 is one of the cheapest and smallest electric cars on the market, but it also has a lower range and power than some of its rivals. However, the e-C3 has some advantages, such as its distinctive design, its spacious interior, and its LFP battery technology.
Conclusion
The e-C3 is Citroen’s attempt to offer an affordable and practical electric car for the European market. The e-C3 has a lot of appeal with its compact and rugged design, its comfortable and customizable interior, and its simple and functional technology. The e-C3 also has a decent range and performance and a fast charging capability. However, the e-C3 will have to compete with many other electric cars that offer more range, power, and features for a similar or lower price. The e-C3 will have to rely on its brand image, its customer loyalty, and its unique selling points to stand out from the crowd. The e-C3 will be available in the summer of 2024, with a starting price of around $24,500 (23,300 Euros).
