Citroën, the French automaker known for its innovative and quirky designs, has revealed its latest creation: the e-C3. This all-electric compact car aims to make zero-emission mobility accessible to everyone. The e-C3 is the first model to showcase Citroën’s new design language and logo, inspired by the Oli Concept that debuted in 2022. The e-C3 also boasts a range of features that make it stand out from the crowd, such as a tall and boxy shape, slim LED headlights, chunky wheel arch cladding, roof rails, and a spacious and colorful interior.
The Citroen e-C3: A Budget-Friendly Electric Car for the Masses
The 2024 Citroen e-C3 is not only stylish but also practical and affordable. It is powered by a 111-horsepower electric motor and a 44-kWh lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) battery, which can deliver an official range of 199 miles (320 kilometers) on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle. The battery is also compatible with fast charging up to 100 kW, which means that it can be replenished from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes at a public charging station. The 2024 Citroen e-C3 also comes with a standard 11-kW onboard charger and a 7.4-kW wallbox for home charging.
The e-C3 is expected to have a starting price of around $24,500 (€22,000) in Europe, making it one of the cheapest electric cars on the market. For comparison, the Tesla Model 3, the best-selling electric car in Europe in 2021, has a base price of $46,000 (€41,490) in Germany. The e-C3 is also cheaper than its main rivals in the compact segment, such as the Volkswagen ID.3, the Renault Zoe, and the Peugeot e-208, which all cost more than $30,000 (€27,000).
Citroën claims that the e-C3 will offer low running costs and maintenance, as well as various incentives and subsidies for electric car buyers in different European countries. The e-C3 will also benefit from Citroën’s Advanced Comfort program, which includes features such as progressive hydraulic cushions, advanced comfort seats, a panoramic glass roof, a head-up display, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The e-C3: A Key Player in Citroën’s Electrification Strategy
The e-C3 is not only a new product but also a key player in Citroën’s electrification strategy, which aims to offer a 100% electric range by 2030. The e-C3 is the first model to be based on the e-CMP platform, a dedicated electric vehicle architecture developed by Stellantis, the parent company of Citroën and other brands such as Peugeot, Fiat, and Opel. The e-CMP platform will also underpin other future electric models from Citroën, such as the e-C4 Cactus and the e-Berlingo.
The 2024 Citroen e-C3 is also the first model to feature Citroën’s new design language and logo, which were previewed by the Oli Concept in 2022. The Oli Concept was a futuristic and minimalist electric car that showcased Citroën’s vision of sustainable mobility and circular economy. The e-C3 adopts some of the elements of the Oli Concept, such as the slim LED headlights, the geometric shapes, the cardboard-like materials, and the tubular seat frames. The e-C3 also sports a new logo, which consists of two chevrons that form a V-shape, symbolizing Citroën’s values of vitality and versatility.