Citroën has opened orders for the new fully electric ë-C3 – one of the UK’s cheapest electric cars.

The new ë-C3 is priced from £21,990

Priced from £21,990 and with a WLTP range of 199 miles, the French supermini is designed to make all-electric mobility accessible to all.

Also being joined by the new petrol-powered fourth-generation C3, priced from £17,790, the new ë-C3 is the first model from Stellantis to feature the cost-efficient ‘BEV-focused’ Smart Car platform – shared with the new Vauxhall Frontera and the upcoming ë-C3 Aircross.

Its 113hp (83kW) electric motor and automatic transmission accelerate the car from 0-62mph in around 10 seconds, and with a provisional top speed of 84mph.

The powertrain features a 44kWh LFP (lithium ferro phosphate) battery pack. Standard AC fast charging from 20% to 80% takes around four hours and 10 minutes using a 7.4kW charger, or two hours and 50 minutes with the optional 11kW onboard charger. The 100kW DC rapid charging capabilities allow charging from 20% to 80% in as little as 26 minutes.

Drivers can also plan journeys, as well as monitor their charging status and battery level in real-time, thanks to the new e-Routes app provided as part of the brand’s ‘Connect Plus’ connected services subscription. Using the MyCitroën app, ë-C3 drivers are able to manage charging schedules, as well as pre-heat or pre-cool the vehicle for Max versions, and check its battery level and location.

In Europe, the new ë-C3 will be joined in 2025 by an even more affordable variant that will bear a 124-mile range and a €19,990 (some £17,000) price tag, but is yet to be confirmed for the UK.

The petrol-powered C3 features a PureTech 100 S&S six-speed manual with 128g/km of CO2, available in Plus trim only. A hybrid version will complete the range by the end of 2024.

The ë-C3 is available in Plus and Max grades. The Plus trim – available for petrol versions too – provides a new 10-inch central touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and natural voice recognition. All versions come with Advanced Comfort front seats and Advanced Comfort suspension while a one-year free subscription provides access to Citroën Connect Plus services featuring automatic data connection via the Citroën Connect Box emergency and assistance system.

Safety technologies include video-based active safety brake, active lane departure warning system, speed limit detection and recommendation, driver attention alert, hill start assist, cruise control, and a speed limiter.

The Max grade – solely offered on the ë-C3 and priced at £23,690 – adds in rear parking camera, automatic air con, LED rear lights, dark-tinted windows, as well as a heated steering wheel, windscreen and heated front seats. Max versions also provide real-time traffic updates and speed camera awareness, through ‘Citroën Connect Plus’ services.

ë-C3 and C3 pricing