Citroën to sell electric ë-C3 in India

Citroën has unveiled its first electric car to go on sale in the Indian market. The new ë-C3 is based on the ICE version, which the French brand launched in India last year, and will hit showrooms in February.

The Citroën ë-C3 is powered by a 29,2 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of 320 km. The electric motor generates 42 kW and 143 Nm of peak torque. The hatchback has a top speed of 107 kph, and it can do 0-60 kph in 6,8 seconds. Charging is possible on both AC and DC outlets, from 10 to 80% in 57 minutes on a DC fast charger, some ten hours for a charge to 100% on an AC 3,3 kW household charger.

Competitor for Tata Tiago EV

In terms of local target markets, the Citroën ë-C3 is aiming to rival the likes of the Tata Tiago EV. Citroën is expected to introduce its new small EV in the price range of about €9 000 to €14 600 in India. To compare, the Tiago EV launched at a base price of 849 000 rupees, equivalent to some €10 700. The Tiago has a 19,2 kWh battery, and Tata claims a 250 km range.

Citroën announced the move last year but had not elaborated on which vehicle it would be marketing in India. At the time, the company announced plans to ramp up its dealership network in India, as well as expand its vehicle offers, as only the C5 Aircross had been available on the Indian market in limited numbers.

At the right moment

Timing for the vehicle launch is favorable as other OEMs are slower to target this problematic (low price) market: The local Maruti’s first EV is only planned for release in 2025, while Hyundai is looking at a market launch in two to three years.

Mahindra also announced plans to gear up electric vehicle production in cooperation with Volkswagen. This would be part of Mahindra’s plan to launch 16 electric vehicles by 2027. Tata Motors is still ramping up EV production, although they already have an electric SUV, Tigor, and the above-mentioned Tiago EV on the market.

The only thing missing now is a significant ramp-up of charging infrastructure in India. However, that is also partly underway, as Tata Power announced around two weeks ago its plans to build 25 000 chargers across the nation over the next five years. Others will, hopefully, follow.