Citroen launches eC3 EV at Rs 11.50 lakh; bookings open

Citroen has launched the eC3 in India, the electric version of the ICE-powered C3 hatchback. The eC3 starts at an introductory Rs 11.50 lakh for the Live variant, going up to Rs 12.43 lakh for the Feel variant with dual-tone paint option and Vibe Pack. Bookings for the Citroen eC3 are already underway for Rs 25,000 and will be on sale in 25 cities across India. 

Powertrain, range and charging
The Citroen eC3 gets a 29.2kWh battery pack, which powers the front axle-mounted electric motor that makes 57hp and 143Nm of peak torque. With this power, the eC3 can accelerate from 0-60 kph in a claimed 6.8 seconds and achieve a top-speed of 107kph. The Citroen eC3 also gets two driving modes – Eco and Standard – along with regenerative braking. 

The Citroen eC3 has an ARAI-claimed range of 320km, and it gets two charging options. The first is a DC fast charger that can charge the battery pack from 10-80 percent in a claimed 57 minutes, and the second is a 3.3kW onboard AC charger that is also capable of CCS2 fast charging. The eC3 can also be topped up with the help of a home charger and it requires 10.5 hours to juice up from 10-100 percent. 

Variants and features
Like the ICE-powered C3, the eC3 EV is also offered in two variants – Live and Feel. The features, too, are similar to the petrol model with the higher-spec Feel getting a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four-speaker audio system and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. 

The eC3 additionally gets connected car tech courtesy of the MyCitroen Connect app. It has 35 smart features that let you check things like the car’s charging status, its location, driving behaviour and the location of the nearest charging station. As far as safety features go, it gets dual airbags and ABS with EBD.

Warranty details
The French automaker is offering a 7 year/1,40,000km warranty on the battery pack, a 5 year/1,00,000km warranty on the electric motor and a 3 year/1,25,000km warranty on the electric hatchback itself. Citroen is offering a few extended warranty options on the car, electric motor and the battery. 

Rivals
The eC3 is priced at a premium over the Tata Tiago EV and it will be interesting to see how the market reacts. The eC3 is larger and technically sits at a sub segment higher. It also has a few advantages in a larger and nicer touchscreen however the Tiago also seats 5 and has a far better spec sheet with a price lower ranging from Rs 8.49 lakh to Rs 11.79 lakh (ex-showroom, India).