The French automaker, Citroen is planning to foray into the electric vehicle (EV) space in India. The company’s first electric car will be sub-4 metre in length based on the heavily localized CMP platform (with over 90% locally sourced components). It’s the same architecture that will underpin the soon-to-be-launched Citroen C3 hatchback. Here, the new Citroen electric car will be positioned against the Tata Punch EV that’s reported to be under development.
Citroen will further expand its Indian EV product portfolio with new electric people movers (MPVs) CUVs and more. The information comes from CEO of the Stellantis Group, Carlos Tavares. He also revealed that the new Citroen electric car will affordable and developed under the brand’s smart-car programme – C-cubed programme. The C3 will be the first production model to come under this project.
The carmaker says that the C-cubed programme highlights “developing international, highly localized cars to meet customer expectations”. In order to make its future products price competitive and increase localization levels, Citroen partnered with the CK Birla Groupe for production, assembly and distribution of powertrains. It also joined hands with Tata Consultancy Services for engineering. Tavares revealed that the company will initial import the batteries and components for its upcoming EV. As of now, it doesn’t have an option to source them locally.
Upcoming Citroen C3
Talking about Citroen’s upcoming C3, the model is said to be a “hatchback with a twist” as it carries compact yet sporty and SUV-ish stance. It’s 3.98 metre in length with a high ground clearance, elevated seating position and raised bonnet. The Citroen C3 will be offered with two petrol engines – 1.2L naturally aspirated and 1.2L turbo unit – delivering 80bhp and 108bhp/128bhp respectively. Prices of the new Citroen small petrol car are likely to start from Rs 5.50 lakh and go up to Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom).
