Citroen has released its latest electric vehicle, the eC3, but it will only be available in India. The company markets the eC3 as an SUV, but it is actually just a small hatchback with raised suspension and added exterior cladding.
The eC3 looks similar to its gasoline-powered counterparts, with the only difference being the lack of a tailpipe. The car has small blue “e” badges but otherwise does not stand out as an electric vehicle. It is unclear if the budget was limited or if Citroen chooses not to emphasize the eC3’s electric power source.
The interior of the eC3 is similar to its previous model, with the exception of the new drive selector. There are two trims available: Live and Feel. The Live trim comes with 4 body color options, high-efficiency air conditioning, and a roof antenna for infotainment.
The Feel trim offers an additional 2 roof colors, 2 dashboard colors, a 12-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay support, and the same roof antenna. In terms of safety, the eC3 is equipped with just two airbags, placing the responsibility of safety and protection on the driver and local wildlife. In India, where driving conditions are demanding, the lack of even a basic radio in the entry-level Live trim can be seen as a safety feature.
The new Citroen eC3 electric vehicle is equipped with a single motor producing 57hp and 143Nm of torque, driving the front wheels. It can accelerate from 0-60 km/h in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 107 km/h.
Designed for the Indian market, the eC3’s main selling points are its range of 320km (per Indian ARAI cycle) and charging options, including a 3.3 kW built-in charger for at-home charging in over 10 hours, and the ability to charge up to 80% at a DC fast-charging station in under an hour.
The Citroen eC3 electric vehicle will be available in showrooms across India next month, providing customers who were considering the Tata Tiago.ev with a new option. The eC3 is competitively priced to attract buyers away from Tata’s first electric car.
This compact car is a great choice for city driving or as a run-around. With slightly less power, it could even be used in European countries without requiring a driving license, and it could compete with the Dacia Spring. It may even be considered a more upscale option than the Dacia Spring.
