Citroën presented an electric C3 in India, which might serve as the basis for a version sold in Europe.
Here is the ëC3, the first electric C3! But be careful, a Citroën C3 can hide another. It’s not the C3 you know. It’s a different, more low-cost model, designed for emerging markets, starting with India, where it was designed. And it is also in India that this trendy variant was unveiled. In this market, it is targeting the Tata Tiago EV.
According to information published by Autocar India, this city car receives a small block of 57 hp with a torque that peaks at 143 Nm. Performance is modest, with a top speed of 107 km / h. Under the passenger compartment, there is an LFP type battery with a capacity of 29.2 kWh. The battery is provided by Chinese Svolt. Note that it has air cooling.
According to the homologation cycle in force in India, the car has a range of 320 km. However, this cycle is less severe than the WLTP in place here. In WLTP, it seems to give 200 to 250 km.
On the look side, nothing changes compared to the starting C3, except for the new charging hatch. If this C3 is more basic than the European, it is not outdated either, it is for example possible to have a 10.2-inch touch screen and Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity.
This C3 is not intended for Europe. Or almost. Because this car serves as a working basis for the new generation of the C3 which will be launched in Europe. Moreover, this Indian C3 uses the CMP platform, admittedly simplified, which is used here by the Peugeot 208. The project has however been delayed. Our colleagues from the Argus recently indicated that adapting to our expectations requires more work than expected.
According to some rumors, Citroën is working on two electric variants of the C3 for us. One with benefits close to the e-208 and a more basic one, which would thus attack the Dacia Spring. And its characteristics might be close to the Indian electric C3. The car might also be made in India.
Carlos Tavares, boss of Stellantis, himself mentioned this possibility, indicating that such a relocation was almost essential to have a cheap electric car in Europe. It is true that the Dacia Spring is made in China.
Photo : Auto today mag
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