Citroën is working on the marketing of its electric C3 (ë-C3) in Europe, after its launch in India. If the electric city car is sold there at a very affordable price, this will not be the case with us. Thus, she should not hunt on the lands of the Dacia Spring. We explain why.
Launched in 2021, the Dacia Spring is a hit, so much so that it was the best-selling car in France last February, ahead of the Tesla Model Y. A great success for the low-cost electric city car, which only has not really any direct competitors on the French market. This should not last, with the arrival of Chinese manufacturers in Europe, while Citroën is preparing an electric version of its C3.
Dacia eater?
This is not really new, since the one that will be sold in France will be strongly inspired by the ë-C3 already launched in India since January. A version a little different from the one we already know at home, aesthetically, but not only. Because it is above all its undersides that have nothing to do with those of our thermal city car.
And for good reason, this one embarks a 56 horsepower and 143 Nm electric motor of torque and a 29.2 kWh battery that allows it to travel up to 320 kilometers according to the Indian MIDC cycle. A much more optimistic value than the 250 kilometers of our European WLTP. Charging takes place from 10 to 80% in 57 minutes in direct current, i.e. a theoretical power of 20 kW.
Admittedly, these features may seem a bit underwhelming on paper. But we know that a larger battery would be synonymous with a higher price and would not necessarily be of real use. Because for now, the Indian ë-C3 starts from 1,150,000 rupees, i.e. the equivalent of 13,000 euros. A price defying all competition, and which would have allowed the city car to hunt directly on the lands of the Dacia Spring In France.
Of course, you have to expect a little higher price, because you also have to take into account certain elements such as taxes as well as the addition of security systems necessary in Europe and not necessarily in India. But still, the electric C3 would have been very competitive compared to the 20,800 euros of the Spring, ecological bonus of 5,000 euros not deducted.
Finally, no
But it won’t. The fault is not with Citroën but with the policy of the Stellantis group, created in 2021 and which brings together several brands including Peugeot, DS, Fiat and even Jeep. Indeed, the firm was the only one to need very small batteries, it is not profitable for the company which can only equip this model. The city car should therefore carry a larger accumulator.
According Argusit will adopt an LFP (lithium – iron – phosphate) chemistry, in accordance with the strategy of the Franco-Italian group and will be available in two capacities, namely 40 and 50 kWh. And who says bigger battery says rising price, of course. Especially since lithium is expensive, despite a slight drop in recent weeks. The city car could cover around 400 kilometers on a single charge with the large battery, which is not necessarily useful for this type of vehicle.
A figure which inevitably distances it from 230 kilometers from the Dacia Spring, which is therefore no longer a direct competitor. Certainly, it could be that the power of the ë-C3 is reduced, but this will have little impact on the price, because this manipulation is purely electronic. The journalists of Automotive Magazine also mention the absence of Sport mode on the city car, which could be closer to the Spring on this point.
Another element to take into account: the place of manufacture. Because the small electric C3 will be assembled in Europe, alongside the future Fiat Panda. Local production, but more expensive than if it were done in India. What Volkswagen plans to do for its future ID.1, which could compete with this ë-C3. But then, how much will it cost? For the time being, it is difficult to say, but we should probably not expect a price under 25,000 euros.
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