Citroën design boss Pierre Leclercq has revealed the brand is preparing to release a mix of smaller electric cars that will be “aggressively priced” to undercut rivals in the ever-competitive entry-EV market.
Leclercq told Autocar that Citroën wanted to offer alternatives to premium EV brands, because “some people don’t have that kind of money to buy a car”. Cost of living crisis, anyone?
If you’re going to be in the budget market for an EV soon, Citroën could be the brand to look at. Let’s have a look at what’s on the horizon…
What will they look like?
From Leclercq’s clues, we think these new budget-friendly EVs are likely to deliver a design nod to the Citroën Oli concept and smaller Citroën Ami, much like the upcoming Citroën C3 Aircross.
But Leclercq was quick to point out they won’t just be smaller versions of bigger cars, adding: “We are trying not to make cars that have the Russian doll effect.”
What about the EV spec?
The new Citroën EVs are expected to sit on the CMP platform, which already underpins Stellantis cars such as the Corsa and Peugeot e-208.
This means they can use the same 51kWh battery as the e-208, offering a range up to 400km.
We also think a single-motor set up delivering around 100kW is likely, given that’s what’s expected to be part of the upcoming Citroën C3 Aircross.
How budget-friendly are these EVs going to be?
A price point of £25,000 is predicted, and this would allow Citroën to undercut the popular £26,000 MG 4, £28,195 Fiat 500 Electric and £31,800 Vauxhall Corsa Electric.
Leclercq said: “I think it's going to be a huge, huge advantage [over other car makers] for a brand like Citroën. You know, as premium brands look to become more premium, [there are] some people who don’t have that kind of money to buy a car.”
To save costs, the EVs might duplicate the Citroën Oli concept of ditching the more flashy in-built infotainment for a system that simply links to the driver’s phone.
“You live with your phone all day. So the closer we get [in a car] to what we have on our phone, I think the better it is. You should just have what you have on your phone,” said Leclercq.
Man’s got a point.
When can we expect the new EV models?
These smaller EV models are expected to arrive in showrooms in the next few years, complete with what Leclercq called “kick-ass” designs, to attract a wider customer base to the French brand.
Will you be keeping a close eye on these new EVs? Do you think they’re budget-friendly enough?
If we’ve piqued your interest at getting your hands on an EV, check out our EV car lease deals here or chat with our team for more information.
