Clearly, the challenge of democratizing the electric car has not yet been achieved. But with the future Citroën ë-C3, things could quickly change as this electric city car is so popular. In one month, the manufacturer has already collected 10,000 reservations.
With its wedge-shaped style, its straight front face and its large volumes, the ë-C3 is not about finesse. However, unveiled on October 17, it caused real excitement, because it stands out with a call price never before seen for a car of this type: €23,300. Let’s make no mistake, it’s not that cheap, but the competition is still looking for it and if the Dacia Spring is indeed less expensive, it is also much less versatile.
From versatility to… not too expensive
Its design, its equipment, but above all its engine and its autonomy seem promising. Obviously, we know that Citroën has cut corners on finishes to bring costs down, but concessions will have to be made to arrive at this price level.
In any case, on paper, its electric motor which develops 113 hp and powered by a 44 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery offering 320 km of autonomy, could satisfy a majority of customers needing an electric city car for urban and peri-urban travel. Another aspect that could work in its favor, its 100 kW recharge allows it to go on highways and allows it to not spend too much time on DC terminals, even if we know that this will not be its primary use. But in an ideal world where charging infrastructures will develop and especially the network of DC terminals in the territory will intensify, this ë-C3 makes sense.
Above all, it offers its services with a shocking argument, its base price which appears at €23,300.
The manufacturer announced that the ë-C3 attracted more than 10,000 customers in one month.
A simplified approach
Citroën highlights a simplified pre-order process on its website, offering only two versions of its model for pre-order.
Without any upfront costs, customers can access the reservation and benefit from “ exclusive information until launch » , according to the press release. They will be among the first to be contacted by their dealer in early 2024 to finalize their order and will be among the first to receive their ë-C3 mid-year.
Customers who wish can register until January 31, 2024. The process, entirely online, allows you to choose between the You version at €23,300 or €99 per month, and the Max version at €27,800 or €179 € per month. Among the 10,000 reservations made, 44% concern the Max version and 56% the You version.
Max or You?
For €23,300 the You version is simplified as much as possible, but offers basic safety equipment. It is equipped with Citroën Advanced Comfort suspensions, Citroën Head Up Display, an emergency braking system, rear parking assistance, cruise control-speed limiter, active lane crossing alert. line, speed sign recognition, driver attention alert, air conditioning, as well as front, front side and curtain airbags. It also has automatic switching on of the dipped headlights and
LED spotlights. On the other hand, for the multimedia interface, you will have to use your smartphone which will be connected via Bluetooth to the passenger compartment.
For more high-end equipment and access to My Citroën Drive with navigation on a 10.25-inch touch screen, you will have to pay €27,800 or by ir on an LLD of €179 including tax/month. In addition, buyers will be entitled to 17-inch rims, two-tone paint, an induction charger, electrically folding and heated exterior mirrors, a wrapped steering wheel, a 2/3-1/3 split rear seat, 3D LED taillights, automatic air conditioning and a reversing camera.
Citroën does not communicate the exact date of the start of deliveries, but has no doubts about the success of its future city car. Moreover, the group does not fail to point out in its press release that the C3 dethroned the 2 CV by becoming the best-selling model in the manufacturer’s history with more than 5.6 million units produced. It remains to be seen whether the electric version will continue this success story.
Source : Citroën
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