Internally called CC21, the new Citroen e-C3 will benefit from an electric variant in 2023. But, unlike its cousin the Peugeot e-208, the chevron city car will be offered in two less powerful and more affordable versions. One way to democratize electricity.
There is no smoke without fire. In August, we revealed that the PSA group had signed an agreement with the battery manufacturer Svolt, which plans to set up a factory in Europe to supply its customers on the Old Continent. It remained to be seen for which project.
Information is taken (internally), this battery will be dedicated to the new electric Citroën C3, the e-C3, whose launch is scheduled for 2023 in Europe. Unlike the Indian version (launched in the first half of 2022), designed on a new “low-cost” CMP platform, the European model will be developed on that of the Peugeot 208 but in a more stripped-down definition (soundproofing, equipment, etc.). These two models will share the same factory, that of Trnava in Slovakia. On the other hand, the e-C3 was initially to be produced in India but in spring 2020 the PSA staff changed their tune, measuring the risks that a health crisis can pose to supply times.
Citroen e-C3 An accessible electric
The new C3 will mark a new era at Citroën since Carlos Tavares, the boss of PSA wants to reposition the manufacturer at the entry-level, a kind of Dacia in PSA sauce. It will position itself on the electric city car market not by racing for autonomy but by playing the price card. The e-C3 will be available in two “Eco” versions much less powerful than the Peugeot e-208 (136 hp and 50 kWh battery).
Two small engines are planned with power around 50 and 80 hp which will be powered by a 30 or 40 kWh battery. Knowing that the battery weighs at least 30% of the price of a vehicle, this Svolt battery will offer less autonomy but allow a competitive price. An approach adopted by Dacia for the Spring. Batteries that will be produced from the end of 2023 in Europe since Svolt formalized in November the establishment of a factory in Germany (in Saarland).
