Stellantis will introduce its first affordable electric car Citroën e-C3 in Europe through its Citroën brand by mid-October, Bloomberg reports.
Apparently, this move is part of the automaker’s wider strategy to stay competitive in the European market, especially against the mass-market EVs from Chinese companies.
About the Citroen e-C3
Stellantis announced plans to officially launch the new e-C3 city car in early 2024 with a base price of approximately $27,000 (€25,000). Therefore, it would rival the China-made Dacia Spring with a base price of €21,000, the impending Renault 5 EV, and the other mass-market EVs from China.
“Citroën has a history of making affordable cars and it’s role now is to make electric mobility accessible to all. There is no equivalent to this car today.”
Citroën CEO Theirry Koskas told journalists (via Bloomberg)
According to the automaker, it has a driving range of more than 186 miles (300 km). It also sports a 29.2 kWh battery and an electric motor, which generates 42 kW power and 143 Nm torque. Meanwhile, recent reports suggest that it will have a top speed of 107 km/h. Moreover, it can accelerate from 0-60km/h in 6.8 seconds.
It is also worth noting that the e-C3 will use Stellantis “smart car” platform, with the battery likely sourced from China.
What’s the big deal?
Europe is currently in dire need of developing and building affordable electric cars amid China-built EVs’ dominance in the continent.
For context, Chinese EV imports grew by over three folds in Germany in Q1 2023 alone. According to Electrek, China-made EVs accounted for 28% of Germany’s EV imports in the first three months of the year. That rate indicates a significant increase from just 7.8% in 2022.
That said, the local production of mass-market EVs must catch up to Chinese electric automakers’ pace to stay competitive in the rapidly growing industry.
See Also:
- Citroen to launch an EV model for people with disabilities
- Citroen unveils first EV offering in India with reservations starting on January 22
- Fiat introduces world’s cutest EV; kids can even drive it
- Stellantis may join the growing NACS family, but not so soon
- Stellantis to produce electric vehicles at its Cassino factory in Italy
With the launch of the new e-C3 city car, Stellantis expects the Citroën to reach a 5% share in the European market, a notable adjustment from just 3.7% in 2022.
Stellantis and its brand Citroën will bring the e-C3’s production to Slovakia, with plans to launch the model in early 2024.
