The Citroen C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid SUV: The Complete Guide For The UK

C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid
Price: £35,080
Type of electric vehicle: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body type: SUV
Battery size: 13.2 kWh
Electric range (WLTP): 34.1 miles
Tailpipe emissions: 32g (CO2/km)


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: 



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The Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV SUV


The Citroen C5 Aircross SUV has been manufactured since 2017. The concept Aircross vehicle was unveiled at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show. Sales in Europe commenced in 2018. The Citroën C5 Aircross is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

The distinctive exterior styled C5 Aircross PHEV SUV is worth consideration for those individuals, families and corporate drivers keen on a spacious plug-in electric SUV, but at more affordable prices. As is the case for electric driving, there is significant room for financial savings when driven on e-mode.

Driving on electric mode will cost between 5 pence and 10 pence per mile, significantly lower compared to using a petrol or diesel combustion engine. Moreover, taking advantage of the electric hybrid drivetrain, powered by the onboard EV battery, will improve the fuel economy of the electric vehicle.

Citroen claims that the C5 Aircross PHEV has a fuel economy up to 166 mpg, considerably better than the equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) variant (45.56 mpg). Of course, if the PHEV is driven primarily on the combustion engine, expect the fuel economy to be closer to 45 mpg.

The C5 plug-in hybrid SUV has a 13.2 kWh onboard EV battery, with a WLTP certified electric range up to 34.1 miles. Both the size of the EV battery and the claimed range, is what we have now come to expect of most PHEVs currently available in the market. Though an electric range up to 34 miles may not seem a lot, the reality is that the majority of commutes in the UK are shorter commutes, and in fact, an average daily distanced travelled by 2/3rd of drivers is 30 miles.

Even taking into account factors that will reduce the claimed electric driving range, the PHEV should be able to delivery close to 30 electric miles on a fully charged EV battery i.e. more than sufficient for most driving needs. Of course, the key is to keep the EV battery charged and adopting a good habit of ‘topping up’ on a regular basis, will be imperative in taking advantage of all that the electric drivetrain has to offer!

Another way to improve the efficiency of an EV is to take advantage of the regenerative braking profiles on offer. Getting used to regen braking does not take time!

For company-car drivers, there is the added incentive of a lower benefit-in-kind (BiK-12%) tax charge for PHEVs, given the lower tailpipe emissions. The C5 PHEV has a claimed 32g CO2/km tailpipe emissions and a far lower BiK tax rate compared to the equivalent combustion engine variant, resulting in lower tax bills.

The Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV combines the 1.6-litre (4 cylinder) PureTech 180 petrol combustion engine with an electric motor (80 kW). The performance of the electric vehicle (EV) is not going to help you win the Formula 1, but is adequate for the affordable price tag.

The front-wheel drive Aircross plug-in hybrid can achieve 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds. Total available power is 225 HP and 250 Nm torque. Top speed is 140 mph. The electric car has three driving modes: electric, hybrid and sport. The higher performance sport mode will most impact the EV range!

In terms of practicality, the plug-in hybrid SUV has much to offer. The EV is spacious for adults seated in the front and rear (ample headroom and legroom). The visibility from the driver seat is good and despite the placement of the EV battery, the boot space is 460 L. The interior quality and specification is adequate and reflects the retail price of the vehicle.

The PHEV does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!



PROS CONS
A practical and spacious electric vehicle for families Not available as a four-wheel drive
A relatively affordable plug-in hybrid. Cheap to drive on pure electric mode Not as efficient as some of the more recent PHEVs
Ample boot space 11 kW on board charger not a standard option

Gallery


The Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV SUV(credit: Citroen)


At A Glance
EV Type:Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:SUV
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):Not Available
Engine:Petrol/ Electric
Available In UK:Yes

Variants (2 Options)
Citroen C5 Aircross Shine (from £35,080)
Citroen C5 Aircross C-Series Edition (from £37,520)

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:Available in one battery size: 13.2 kWh
Charging:On board charger: 7 kW Standard/ 11 kW AC available as an option
Charge Port:Type 2
EV Cable Type: Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:32g (CO2/km)
EV Battery Warranty:8 years or 100,000 miles

Average Cost Of Residential Charging
Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh £1.27
Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh£1.67
Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh£1.73
Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh£1.89
Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh£2.03
  • 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)
  • Note 1: SoC: state of charge

Dimensions
Height (mm):1670
Width (mm):1859
Length (mm):4500
Wheelbase (mm):2730
Turning Circle (m):10.7
Boot Space (L):460

C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid
EV Battery Capacity:13.2 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):34.1 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):156
Fuel Consumption (mpg):166
Charging: On board charger: 7 kW Standard/ 11 kW AC available as an option
Top Speed:140 mph
0-60 mph:8.7 seconds
Drive: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):80 (electric)
Horsepower (hp):180 (225 combined)
Torque (Nm): 250
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Minimum Kerb Weight (kg):1,770
Colours:7
NCAP Safety Rating:Four-Star

While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.


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Author

Ashvin Suri

Ashvin has been involved with the renewables, energy efficiency and infrastructure sectors since 2006. He is passionate about the transition to a low-carbon economy and electric transportation. Ashvin commenced his career in 1994, working with US investment banks in New York. Post his MBA from the London Business School (1996-1998), he continued to work in investment banking at Flemings (London) and JPMorgan (London). His roles included corporate finance advisory, M&A and capital raising. He has been involved across diverse industry sectors, to include engineering, aerospace, oil & gas, airports and automotive across Asia and Europe. In 2010, he co-founded a solar development platform, for large scale ground and roof solar projects to include, the UK, Italy, Germany and France. He has also advised on various renewable energy (wind and solar) utility scale projects working with global institutional investors and independent power producers (IPP’s) in the renewable energy sector. He has also advised in key international markets like India, to include advising large-scale industrial and automotive group in India. Ashvin has also advised Indian Energy, an IPP backed by Guggenheim (a US$ 165 billion fund). He has also advised a US$ 2 billion, Singapore based group. Ashvin has also worked in the real estate and infrastructure sector, to including working with the Matrix Group (a US$ 4 billion property group in the UK) to launch one of the first few institutional real estate funds for the Indian real estate market. The fund was successfully launched with significant institutional support from the UK/ European markets. He has also advised on water infrastructure, to include advising a Swedish clean technology company in the water sector. He has also been involved with a number of early stage ventures.

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