French automaker, Citroen has recently launched the locally developed C3 entry-level hatchback in the Indian market. We reported earlier that the company is also preparing an electric compact car for the Indian as well as Brazilian market. It is expected to make global debut in December 2022 or early next year. Ahead of the official debut, the Citroen C3 electric has been spotted testing on the Indian roads.
The spotted model looks largely identical to the regular Citroen C3 with the front fender covered in thick cloth. There could be a charging port placed on the front fender. The new Citroen C3 electric will be based on the e-CMP (electric Common Modular Platform), which will also underpin the electric Fiat Panda.
In fact, the Peugeot e-208 EV is also designed and developed on the e-CMP platform. The new Citroen C3 electric is expected to share the battery pack with the Peugeot e-208 EV. European media reports that the compact electric hatchback is likely to be offered with two versions. The entry-level variant could get an 82bhp, electric motor and 40kWh battery pack. On the other hand, the higher-spec model could get a 109hp electric and 50kWh battery pack. The cells of the battery is of the LFP type (lithium-ion-phosphate), which is claimed to offer greater durability.
Citroen is likely to offer both versions of the electric hatchback with entry-level variant could offer a range of around 300km on a single charge. This will help Citroen to price the new model aggressively against the Tata Tigor EV. The Citroen C3 electric is likely to be positioned as the more premium version of the C3 hatchback. It is expected to come with more basic features compared to the regular model. The EV is likely to get automatic AC, rear wiper and washer, electrically adjustable ORVMs, rear defogger and cruise control. Citroen could also make some EV-specific design changes.
Source – Team-BHP
