Citroen eC3 Bookings Open in India

Citroen has opened bookings for its first EV model, the eC3 at a token amount of Rs 25,000. Based on the recently launched C3 hatchback, the new EV will be the first of the many electric models planned for India. The eC3 will be offered in two variants, Live and Feel.

The new EV will be made in India and exported to international market to help boost the vehicles sales. 

Citroen eC3: Exterior Design and Interior Features

The exterior of the new eC3 uses the same bodyshell and looks largely similar to its ICE counterpart. Changes to the EV include a new charging port on the front fender and the omission of the tailpipe. On the inside, the cost cutting is evident with plastic panels all-around and a tiny digital speedometer. Overall, the layout of the cabin is identical to the C3 hatchback except for an updated centre console with a new drive controller replacing the gear lever. 

Other than that, all exterior panels and interior trim remain the same which are already made in India. This will help Citroen price the eC3 at a competitive price point in the market.

Citroen eC3: Powertrain

The eC3 uses a 20.9 kWh battery pack sourced from Chinese firm Svolt currently while localisation plans later. It powers a single front-axle mounted motor that pumps out 57 bhp with 143 Nm of peak torque. The automaker claims an ARAI-certified range of 320 kms, and the EV gets a 3.3 kW AC charger onboard that also supports CCS2 fast charging that fills the battery from 10-80 percentage in just 57 minutes.

Citroen is also offering a warranty of up to 7 years or 1,40,000 kms on the battery pack and 5 years or 1,00,000 kms on the electric motor. The EV itself gets a warranty of 3 years or 1,25,000 kms.

Citroen eC3: Pricing and Rivals

While Citroen has not announced the prices yet, expect the Citroen eC3 to start from around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). Bookings will start from January 22nd, while the EV will reach showrooms from next month. 

Upon launch, it will compete with the recently launched Tata Tiago .EV, which is priced between Rs 8.49 lakh - Rs 11.79 lakh (ex-showroom).