CITROEN

Citroën ë-C3 is the most affordable 5-seater electric car in Europe: €18,000

The Citroën C3 is one of the best-selling compact cars in Portugal, and its electric version—the ë-C3 (a B-segment model measuring 4.015 meters in length, 1.755 m in width, 1.567 m in height, and with a 2.540 m wheelbase)—is the only battery-powered model offering space for five people at a price well below €20,000. Complementing the ë-C3 "Comfort Range" version (featuring a 43.8 kWh battery), deliveries have recently begun for the "Urban Range" version (with a 30 kWh battery); this is the model priced under €20,000—and, for a limited time, even under €18,000.

The C3 is a compact car with ample interior space—a feeling largely due to its increased height, a result of its SUV-like stance, which significantly boosts available interior volume. At the rear, the trunk offers 310 liters of capacity—more than is typical for this class of vehicle and clearly superior to the Peugeot 208, a popular segment rival with a 265-liter trunk.

The Citroën ë-C3 is available in three trim levels: You, Plus, and Collection, with the latter being the most fully equipped and expensive. However, potential buyers are likely to focus on the first two versions—the most affordable options—both of which feature a 113 hp motor powered by either the "Urban" (30 kWh) or "Comfort" (43.8 kWh) battery, as mentioned above. These battery packs utilize LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry—a solution favored by Chinese automakers for being both cheaper and safer, as it is less prone to catching fire in the event of a crash that destroys the battery. However, batteries of this type are heavier and offer lower energy density.

The first ë-C3 model to launch was the version featuring 113 hp and a 43.8 kWh battery; it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and has a top speed limited to 132 km/h to conserve energy. This "Comfort Range" version offers a range of up to 311 km, with charging capabilities—depending on the specific trim—of 30 kW for direct current (DC) and 7.4 kW for alternating current (AC) (upgradeable to 11 kW for an additional €400).

However, the version most likely to drive the democratization of electric mobility is the ë-C3 "You" (Urban Range) model, priced under €19,990—a figure that drops to €17,990 under the current promotional campaign. With the 30 kWh battery, the Citroën vehicle's top speed falls to 125 km/h, yet the 0–100 km/h acceleration time remains 10.4 seconds—a curious detail, given that the smaller battery reduces the vehicle's weight from 1,491 kg to just 1,413 kg, while the range drops to 212 km.

To bring the ë-C3's price down to this level, the French manufacturer had to make additional cost-cutting measures beyond simply reducing battery capacity. Consequently, the "You" version lacks DC charging capability, and the central touchscreen is replaced by a smartphone mount. On some versions, 30 kW DC charging is available for an extra €500.

 

Autonews