A Cheap & Cheerful City EV

The Citroen E-C3 might finally deliver on the promise of affordable electric vehicles for everyday drivers.

Electric cars have largely remained beyond the reach of average consumers. Most EVs on the market target wealthy buyers or company fleets with premium prices and features. But 2025 marks a shift with several sub-£25,000 models hitting showrooms.

The Citroen E-C3 stands at the forefront of this affordable EV wave.

Starting at £21,990, it’s among the cheapest proper electric cars available – undercutting the Renault 5 by £1,000, the Hyundai Inster by £1,500, and the Fiat 500 by £3,000.

This fourth-generation C3 is the first to offer an all-electric option alongside petrol and hybrid versions. While slightly pricier than its fossil fuel siblings, it aims to make electric mobility accessible to everyone.

Design and Styling

The E-C3 abandons the previous model’s rounded shape for a squarer, more upright stance. Despite Citroen’s insistence that it’s a hatchback, the vehicle sports distinct crossover elements – body cladding, roof rails, and a raised seating position about 10cm higher than typical hatchbacks.

At 4.01m long, it’s only 2cm longer than its predecessor, firmly keeping it in the supermini category.

Interior and Practicality

Inside, the E-C3 offers reasonable space for a vehicle of its size. Front passengers benefit from Citroen’s Advanced Comfort seats, making their first appearance in a C3.

Rear seating is best suited for children, with Citroen claiming class-leading knee room. The 310-liter boot matches the more expensive Vauxhall Corsa Electric but falls slightly short of the Renault 5’s 326 liters.

Cost-cutting measures are evident – a physical key ignition, non-electric rear windows in the base model, and a basic boot floor with no dedicated charging cable storage.

Despite these compromises, the cabin feels welcoming. The C-Zen dashboard features a small steering wheel with a slim instrument panel behind it. The mix of soft-touch plastics and fabric finishes elevates the interior beyond what you’d expect at this price point.

Physical buttons control the heating system – a practical touch many drivers will appreciate.

All E-C3 models include a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring. The system offers connected services like route planning and remote preconditioning – features typically found in more expensive vehicles.

Performance and Range

The E-C3 comes with a single powertrain option: a 111bhp motor driving the front wheels, powered by a 44kWh battery. WLTP testing rates its range at 199 miles, with 100kW charging capability standard across the lineup.

Acceleration is modest – 0-62mph takes 11 seconds with a top speed of 84mph. However, the car feels responsive in urban environments where quick 0-30mph bursts matter most.

At higher speeds, the steering remains light with some vagueness, but the small wheel makes city maneuvering effortless.

The E-C3 is the first car in its class to feature Citroen’s Advanced Comfort suspension with hydraulic bump stops. This results in impressive ride quality that rivals much more expensive vehicles.

Citroen claims 4.5m/kWh efficiency. Our real-world testing yielded 3.38m/kWh, translating to about 150 miles of range – adequate for the car’s intended urban and suburban use.

A smaller battery option offering 124 miles of range at an even lower price will join the lineup later this year.

Trim Levels and Equipment

The E-C3 comes in just two trim levels in the UK:

Plus (£21,990): 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, Advanced Comfort suspension and seats, rear parking sensors, cruise control, manual air conditioning, two-tone paint, and 10.25-inch touchscreen
Max (£23,690): Adds LED rear lights, privacy glass, upgraded seat materials, automatic climate control, navigation, heated seats and steering wheel, reversing camera, rear power windows, and wireless phone charging

Verdict

The Citroen E-C3 succeeds in its mission to make EVs more accessible without excessive compromise.

While performance is merely adequate and cost-cutting is evident in places, it delivers where it counts – offering reasonable range, decent charging capabilities, and exceptional comfort in a stylish package.

For commuting, school runs, and shopping trips, the E-C3 represents excellent value and could be the affordable electric car many have been waiting for.