Overview
Citroën is a leading French automobile manufacturer, now owned by Netherlands based Stellantis N.V., which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Italian/ American) and Groupe PSA (French). Stellantis owns a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of leading automotive brands, to include, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Jeep, FIAT, Alfa Romeo etc. Previously, Peugeot owned a 89.95% stake in the company.
But of course, Citroën started life in 1919 in a much humbler context. The company was founded by André Citroën, a French industrialist. Though Citroën has had many successful models, the Citroën 2CV certainly stands out. The car was unveiled in 1948 and remained in production up until 1990. In total, over 9 million 2CV variants were manufactured during this period. In 2009 Citroën announced the introduction of a premium brand ‘DS’ (Different Spirit/ Distinctive Series). Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 points of sale and service throughout the world.
The Citroen electric vehicle (EV) portfolio includes both, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models:
- Citroen C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid
- All-electric Citroen ë-C3
- All-electric Citroen ë-C4
- All-electric Citroen ë-C4 X
- All-electric Citroen ë-Berlingo
- All-electric Citroen ë-Spacetourer
- Citroën C5 X Plug-In Hybrid
- All-electric Citroen Ami
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric MPV
The internal combustion engine (ICE) Berlingo was first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1996 (first generation). The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is now in its third generation, which was unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Auto Show. The Berlingo has been sold as both a commercial van and a passenger vehicle. Since 1996 more than 1.5 million vehicles have been sold.
The ë-Berlingo passenger electric van was launched in January 2021. The new Citroën pure electric MPV has been positioned as a leisure activity vehicle, that offers the versatility for ‘everyday practicality and adventure for the great outdoors’. The MPV is appropriate for families seeking an affordable electric car that offers space and practicality.
In the UK, the pure electric MPV is available in two sizes: the 5-seater M version (4.4m) and the 7-seater XL version (4.75m). The seven-seater has an additional third passenger row, which offers ample headroom. The plug-in electric passenger van also offers easy access to the rear passenger seats, given the sliding doors, perfect for carparks with tight spaces.
The electric Berlingo is family-friendly, with the rear seats (when folded) offering up to 4,000 L volume and more than 3m of loading length in the XL versions. The M version offers a 775 L boot and the XL offers 1050 L.
The electric vehicle (EV) has a 50 kWh EV battery with a zero-tailpipe emission electric range between 152 – 182 miles. However, on the WLTP standard, the electric range is 153 miles on a fully charged battery.
Of course, do keep in mind that the real-world pure electric range is impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, payload, weather, road conditions, onboard services uses etc.
Expect a real-world e-range closer to 130 miles, which is still very useful for a family vehicle. The majority of day-to-day trips are shorter commutes (below 12 miles) i.e. grocery store, school-runs, work etc. In any case, for day and weekend trips on the motorway, the electric range is decent! However, we urge Citroën to also offer this EV in a larger battery size, closer to 100 kWh.
The e-van also benefits from DC charging capability. The passenger electric van can be charged up to 100 kW DC charging i.e. up to 80% charge in 30 minutes. Just sufficient time for a short break for rest! For home charging using a dedicated 7 kW EV charger like the Easee EV charger, a full charge will take up to 8 hours. The EV has a 7.4 kW onboard charger. We at e-zoomed recommend charging the electric vehicle overnight, when the electricity prices are cheaper.
The e-MPV is equipped with a 8″ display (Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto), 18 driving assistance systems: head-up display, intelligent beam headlights, active safety brake, collision risk alert, keyless entry/start, 180-degree colour reversing camera, park assist, active lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring and more. The EV also has four connectivity technologies.
In terms of performance, as you can expect from a family MPV, it is reasonable but not brisk. The front-wheel drive EV can achieve 0-62 mph in 11.5 seconds (max power: 134 hp). The top speed is 83 mph.
Yes, the EV benefits from instant torque. The electric van offers 3 driving modes: Normal, Eco and Power. The Eco mode optimises energy consumption and the Power mode is to maintain the performance of the vehicle when fully loaded.
Bottom-line, for families and company-car drivers seeking a practical, zero-tailpipe emission passenger electric van, the Citroën ë-Berlingo is worth considering. Electric driving is good for the environment and for the wallet! You can lease electric vehicles at very competitive prices via e-zoomed!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
An affordable family electric people carrier : value for money | Only available in a 50 kWh EV battery option with limited EV range |
A family-friendly practical passenger electric van | Infotainment system can be improved |
DC charging up to 100 KW | Performance lacks inspiration |
The Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric MPV (credit: Citroen)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | MPV |
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Available |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (2 Options) |
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Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric M (from £30,995) |
Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric XL (from £31,995) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 50 kWh |
Charging: | 100 kW DC rapid charging (15%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 7.4 kW (0%-100%: 8 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh | £2.40 |
Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh | £4.32 |
Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh | £5.64 |
Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh | £6.48 |
Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh | £7.20 |
Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh | £9.22 |
Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh | £10.22 |
Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh | £11.09 |
Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh | £12.96 |
Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh | £14.40 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions (M Version) | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1844 |
Width (mm): | 1848 |
Length (mm): | 4403 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2785 |
Turning Circle (m): | 10.8 |
Boot Space (L): | 775 |
ë-Berlingo M | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 50 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 153 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 194 |
Charging: | 100 kW DC rapid charging (15%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 7.4 kW (0%-100%: 8 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 83 mph |
0-62 mph: | 11.5 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 100 |
Horsepower (hp): | 134 |
Torque (Nm): | 260 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 or 7 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 1,739 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Four-Star |
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