Citroen’s fourth generation C3 is making a major shift towards electric power, with the introduction of the 2024 e-C3 on the European market. After selling over 5.6 million combustion-powered C3s, the French automaker is now embracing zero emissions vehicles. The e-C3 will have a starting price of approximately $24,500 (23,300 Euros) and is expected to become one of the most affordable electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe when an even cheaper model is released in 2025.
The new e-C3, built on Stellantis’ Smart Car Platform, boasts a completely redesigned exterior, transforming it into a crossover-like vehicle. The wheels have been pushed to the edges, resulting in a more spacious interior. Compared to its predecessor, the new model offers an extra 1.18 inches of headroom and 0.8 inches of knee room for passengers. The cargo area behind the rear seats has also been slightly increased.
One of the most noticeable changes is the front fascia, which features Citroen’s updated logo and C-shaped lights. The taillights now extend into the rear quarter panels, and a small static spoiler comes as standard equipment.
The most significant changes, however, lie under the hood. The e-C3 now relies solely on an electric powertrain, bidding farewell to its combustion engines. It is equipped with a 44-kilowatt-hour Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a range of up to 199 miles (320 kilometers) on a single charge according to the WLTP cycle. The front axle houses a 113-horsepower electric motor, enabling the e-C3 to accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour (0-100 kilometers per hour) in around 11 seconds. Charging the battery from 20 to 80 percent on a 7-kilowatt charger takes approximately four hours, while a DC fast charging station with a 100-kW CCS port can reduce the charging time to less than 30 minutes.
Citroen will offer the e-C3 in two trim levels: You and Max. The base model, You, includes LED headlights, an emergency braking system, a head-up display, power side mirrors, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. Upgrading to the Max trim level adds 17-inch alloy wheels, two-tone exterior paint, auto wipers, power-folding and heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, and more.
The 2024 e-C3 will debut with a starting price of $24,500 (23,300 Euros). In 2025, Citroen plans to introduce a model with a smaller battery pack, providing a range of 124 miles (200 km) on a single charge. This model is expected to be priced at around $21,050 (19,990 Euros), making it one of the most affordable EVs in Europe, potentially rivaling the Dacia Spring, which currently starts at $22,300 (20,800 Euros) in France before local incentives are applied.