Citroen challenges the rulebook for European-designed and built B-segment cars with the reveal of the characterful fourth generation C3. All-electric e-C3 delivers best-in-class comfort, easy electric experience, outstanding level of equipment and incredible value for money while being made in Europe.
The all-electric e-C3 proudly heads up the fourth-generation line-up of Citroen’s most popular car, which has sold more than 5.6 million units since the launch of the first generation in 2002. The C3 is being the brand’s most popular model and representing 29 percent of Citroen’s European sales volume. In 2022, the C3 captured 11 percent overall of the European B-segment market.
Significantly, the all-new e-C3 signals a new chapter for Citroen. The popular and daring brand is reinventing itself to aggressively meet head-on the challenges of making all-electric mobility accessible to all with the first European-designed and Europe-built all-electric B-hatchback for customers wanting the benefits of zero-emission mobility at a net, fair and affordable price.
For the first time in the history of the C3 hatchback, Citroen is fitting its innovative and exclusive Citroen Advanced Comfort Suspension as standard equipment to all versions of the all-new, all-electric e-C3.
Invisible to the driver and occupants, Progressive Hydraulic Cushions ensure vehicle occupants enjoy a unique ‘magic carpet ride’ feeling of comfort on the road thanks to the use of progressive Hydraulic bump stops, allowing engineers greater freedom to tune the all-new e-C3’s suspension to give the impression that the car is gliding when driving over uneven ground. Two stops are used on each corner of the vehicle in conjunction with the shock absorber and spring instead of mechanical stops – one for compression the other for decompression (or rebound).
The acclaimed system works in two stages. For lighter compression and decompression, the spring and shock absorber control vertical movements together, with no assistance required from the hydraulic stops. For major impacts, the spring and shock absorber work together with the hydraulic stops, to slow the movement gradually, and iron out jolts at the end of the range. Unlike a mechanical stop that absorbs energy and then returns part of it as a shock, the hydraulic stop absorbs and dissipates this energy.
First in Stellantis, the cost-efficient, BEV-native platform uses a 44kWh LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate) battery pack to deliver up to 320km (199 miles) WLTP driving range, and 100kW DC fast charging capability allows recharging from 20 to 80 percent capacity in 26 minutes.
Standard AC recharging, from 20% to 80%, takes around 4h10 using 7kW power, or 2h50 if 11kW is available. Accessing both home and public AC charging facilities is easy using the standard supplied Mode 3 cable which is ideal for regular recharging at home using a wall box, as well as out and about at public charging stations. The cable can charge with either a single-phase 7.4kW or three-phase 11kW wall box.
With its 83kW (113hp) motor and fully automatic transmission accelerating the car from 0-100 km/h (62mph) in around 11 seconds, and a provisional top speed of 135km/h (84mph), the all-new e-C3 delivers more than enough power and performance to deal with everyday driving and traffic, particularly in urban and suburban environments.
Owners will also be able to plan journeys, as well as monitor their charging status and battery level in real time and enjoy a complete navigation experience thanks to the new e-ROUTES App. This is specifically designed for Citroen electric vehicles as part of the company’s ‘Connect Plus’ connected services subscription. Using the MyCitroen App, e-C3 drivers will also be able to manage charging schedules, as well as pre-heat or pre-cool the vehicle and check its battery level and location.
The 320km (199 miles) range e-C3 will be offered at fair and net prices in many European markets, starting at 23,300 Euros as Citroen aggressively ramps up its mission to make all-electric mobility accessible to all. The cheaper version with a 200 km (124 miles) range will join the line-up in 2025, priced at 19,990 Euros.
