The Citroen New C3, a small SUV designed for India and South America, just got a fully electric variant dubbed the e-C3. The EV debuted in India retaining the design of its ICE-powered counterpart while offering a zero-emission range of 320 km (199 miles).
From the exterior, the only way to tell apart the e-C3 from the New C3 is the lack of a tailpipe, the charging port on the front fender, and the blue “e” badges on the doors, consistent with Citroen’s naming strategy for EVs. The rest of the body panels are carried over, including the intakes on the front bumper. Similarly, the only difference inside the cabin is the new selector replacing the gearknob of the ICE-powered model. The e-C3 is available in Live and Feel trims, with the latter getting a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and connected car features. Don’t expect any ADAS though as safety equipment is limited to dual airbags.
Read: Stellantis Could Build EVs In India As It Says Europe Is Too Expensive
The Citroen e-C3 comes fitted with a front-mounted electric motor producing 57 hp (43 kW / 57 PS) and 143 Nm (106 lb-ft) of torque. According to the automaker, the model can accelerate from 0-60 km/h (0-37 mph) in 6.8 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 107 km/h (67 mph). The battery pack has a capacity of 29.2 kWh, allowing 199 miles (320 km) of range measured under the Indian ARAI cycle. As reported by Autocar India, charging takes place through a 3.3 kW onboard AC charger while the EV is also capable of faster DC fast charging. The latter takes it from 10-80% in only 57 minutes, with the same process taking 10.5 hours at home.
The aforementioned specs are not as impressive as other similarly-sized Stellantis EVs including the Peugeot E-208 which makes 154 hp (156 PS / 115 kW) and has a 248 miles (400 km) WLTP range thanks to the larger 51 kWh battery. However, the Citroen eC3 is focused on affordability, which is why the company used different components. It is also on par with local rivals like the Tata Tiago.ev which debuted only a few months ago.
The locally-produced Citroen e-C3 will be available to order in India from January 22, when we will learn its pricing. The first examples of the EV will arrive in Indian dealerships in February. Citroen plans on exporting it to other markets in the near future, although we doubt that such a model would arrive in Europe which will soon get a new generation of the C3 and likely its own e-C3.
