Multinational automaker Stellantis seeks to challenge Chinese automakers’ cost competitiveness in the British market with its new Citroen e-C3, which starts at only $28,000 (£21,990).
Stellantis aims to compete with BYD’s budget-friendly EVs
The new Citroen e-C3 is on track to join the list of most affordable electric vehicles in the United Kingdom.
In hindsight, Stellantis introduced the new Citroen e-C3 in October 2023. At the time, the company promoted the new model as the “first European affordable electric car.”
According to the press release, the new low-cost e-C3 electric vehicle will only start at $28,000 (£21,990 OTR MRRP). This remarkably low price will enable Stellantis to challenge BYD’s dominance in the local market.
What to expect from the Citroen e-C3?
The new Citroen e-C3 will be the first model to use Stellantis’ new EV-focused “Smart Car” platform. It will feature a 44 kWh LFP battery pack, enabling a WLTP-rated driving range of up to 199 miles.
It also supports 100 kW DC fast charging from 20% to 80% in just 26 minutes. It will also offer prospective owners a new e-ROUTES app to deliver a high level of convenience, such as planning trips and monitoring charge status in real-time.
The new e-C3 will come with two available variants, the Plus and the Max.
The Plus variant comes with a 10″ touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Meanwhile, the $30,200 (£23,690) Max variant offers a rear parking camera, automatic AC system, LED rear lights, tinted windows, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats.
“The fourth-generation C3 combines stylish design, comprehensive equipment and supreme comfort to deliver a beautifully simple vehicle at an extremely competitive price.”
Stellantis indicated in the press release
Move could help close gap on Chinese automakers in the UK
As mentioned, Citroen’s new e-C3 is set to become one of the cheapest EV models in the UK. It will aid Stellantis in its efforts to compete with cheap China-made EVs, particularly from BYD.
The e-C3’s $28,000 base price will be competitive against Chinese automakers’ offerings in the UK. This makes EVs more accessible to a wider range of customers, potentially swaying them away from cheap Chinese models.
Stellantis plans to officially open the order books for the new Citroen e-C3 in the UK in July 2024. Interested buyers can sign up for updates on the new model’s official website.
