Electric switch flipped as Citroën debuts new EV only ë-C3

Its transition towards complete electrification set to happen in 2026, Citroën has unveiled the all-new fourth generation C3 in Europe as a dedicated EV from the start.

Looking familiar?

Seemingly a re-development of the CC21 C3 aimed at developing markets on first glance, the officially titled ë-C3 officially becomes Citroën’s cheapest EV on the Old Continent above the dinky Ami EU regulations classify as a quadracycle rather than a car.

Riding on an electrified version of the “Smart Car” platform instead of Stellantis’ incoming STLA platforms, most notably the STLA Small due for introduction in 2026, the architecture in question is said to have been chosen for its flexibility and adherences to keeping costs down.

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As such, the ë-C3 not only sports a blockier design than its predecessor, but offers a more capacious 310-litre boot and improved ground clearance of 163 mm versus 135 mm.

Somewhat surprisingly, no details mentioning the ë-C3’s dimensions were revealed, with Citroën simply reporting a roomier cabin, more head-and-legroom for rear passengers and better storage space utilisation.

Focus in tech

Inside, the relations with the CC21 continue, but to an extent as the ë-C3 recieves a brand-new model specific steering wheel, new air vents, a redesigned centre console and the most prominently, a different dashboard whose upper Head-Up Display largely replaces the instrument cluster.

Designed to be as minimalistic as possible, the dash also eschews the CC21’s physical switchgear – bar those for the climate control – for touch-sensitive buttons located either side of the freestanding 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Along with the “advanced comfort seats” trimmed in fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles, the ë-C3’s creature comfort list, besides those already mentioned, comprises a wireless smartphone charger, all around electric windows, a reverse camera and rear parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning Driver Attention Alert, Auto High Beam Assist LED headlights and Traffic Sign Recognition.

City EV power

Up front, motivation comes from a 44-kWh lithium phosphate battery pack that drives an electric motor mounted on the front axle.

Producing a total of 83 kW, the setup translates to a top speed of 135 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds and a claimed range of 320 km with DC charging up to 100 kW possible.

Shipped as standard with a 7.4 kW on-board charger or an optional 11 kW outlet, charging the ë-C3 requires a waiting time of four hours 10 minutes using the former, and two hours 50 minutes in the case of the latter.

Opting for the mentioned DC public network though reduces waiting time to 26 minutes from 20 to 80%.

EU only for now

Going on-sale in Europe before year-end with a choice of 16 or 17-inches alloys wheels, pricing for the ë-C3 starts at €23 300 (R472 417) in France, however, a cheaper version will be introduced in 2025 carrying a sticker price of €19 990 (R405 305) and with a range of 200 km.

Unsurprisingly, the ë-C3 has not been approved for markets outside of Europe for now, meaning no possibility of being sold in South Africa anytime soon.

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