Citroen launches its electric hatchback: the eC3
Citroen has launched its first EV offering–the e-C3–in India. The e-C3 shares similar design elements and features as its petrol variants, and it is powered by a 29.2 kWh battery pack that provides an ARAI-certified range of 320 km. The company offers the electric hatchback in two variants: the Live and the Feel–at a starting price of INR 11.50 lakh.
Design and features
The e-C3 gets a similar design like its petrol variants that still comes with a matte black grille and round headlamps at the front. However, the new electric hatchback gets minor changes such as the removal of a tailpipe, a new charging port on the front fender, and ‘e’ badging that represents it as an electric car. Furthermore, both the EV and ICE models share the same dimensions as well.
The e-C3 also comes with the same cabin as the petrol models. The cabin features a single-tone black colour with leather-upholstered seats, and among seats, the driver’s seat gets a height-adjustable feature. The dashboard features a flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel, a digital instrument console, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is compatible with both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The new EV comes equipped with the MyCitroen Connect app which provides easy access to the user via a smartphone. The app also offers 35 smart features which include displaying information such as nearest charging station, charging status, EV’s last parked location, and intrusion alert, among others.
Other notable features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, high speed alert, riding modes (Eco and Standard), power windows, 4 speakers, roof antenna, manual AC with heaters, automatic climate control, and USB chargers, among others.
Also check out: Citroen C5 Aircross
Powertrain
The e-C3 is powered by a 29.2 kWh battery pack (derived from the Chinese company Svolt) that generates 57 hp and 143 Nm of torque. The company claims that the EV can accelerate from 0-60 kmph in 6.8 seconds and it has a top speed of 107 kmph.
The electric hatchback takes 10.5 hours to charge from 10-100% via a home charger, and via a DC charger, the EV can be charged 10-80% in approximately 57 minutes. And on a single charge, the EV provides a range of 320 km, according to ARAI.
| Battery pack | 29.2 kWh (derived from Chinese company Svolt) |
| Power (hp) | 57 |
| Torque (Nm) | 143 |
| Range (km) ARAI | 320 |
| Charging time | 10.5 hours via a home charger (10-100%) 57 minutes via a DC charger (10-80%) |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Acceleration (seconds) 0-60 kmph | 6.8 |
| Top speed (kmph) | 107 |
Citroen eC3 price in Nepal
Citroen India has launched the e-C3 in two variants: the Live and the Feel–at a starting price of INR 11.50 lakh and it goes up to INR 12.43 lakh. The electric hatchback serves a rival to the Tata Tiago EV, but comparatively, the Tata Tiago EV comes at a more economical price from INR 8.69 lakh to Rs 11.99 lakh.
| eC3 variants | Price in India |
| Live | INR 11.50 lakh |
| Feel | INR 12.13 lakh |
| Feel Vibe pack | INR 12.18 lakh |
| Feel dual-tone Vibe pack | INR 12.43 lakh |
For Nepal, Citroen is yet to offer the e-C3, but in case of its launch here, the fans can expect it to cost around Rs 27.50 lakh.
Are you looking for a car? Check out: hamrobazar automobiles
