The model builds on Citroën's UK market experience with electric LCVs, gained with the first generation Berlingo Electrique van, launched in 1998 and on sale until 2005. It features a permanent magnet synchronous 49kW electric motor and 22.5kWh lithium ion battery pack, giving an official NEDC of up to 106 miles (170Km), with a top speed of 68.75mph (110km/h).

Using a domestic socket, the vehicle can be fully charged in around 12 hours; alternatively, it can be charged to 80% of capacity in only 35 minutes using a specific 380V three-phase terminal in quick-charge mode.

The model has been designed so its load compartment space is not reduced by battery intrusion. The Berlingo Electric's electric motor is positioned under the bonnet and the lithium-ion battery pack is located underneath the load deck. This means the Berlingo Electric's load compartment cube of 3.3m3 (extendable to 3.7m3)/load deck length of 1.8m (extendable to 3.0m) and payload of 636kg are equivalent to that of a similar diesel-powered Berlingo van.

When the battery charge falls to 20% of its total useable capacity, a warning light comes on and the power sent to the heating and air conditioning systems is gradually reduced. Then, when the battery charge level further falls to 10% of the total useable capacity, a "tortoise" light comes on – the power supply is limited and the air conditioning and heating systems are turned off to extend the vehicle's range.

Scott Michael, Citroën's head of commercial vehicles & business centre programme, explained: ‘The new Berlingo Electric has been launched to meet the transport requirements of a number of significant specialist sectors. Our previous electric LCV experience showed that these specific operations include local authority applications such as meals on wheels, parks departments and many other metropolitan council applications.  In addition, we expect to see Berlingo Electric demand come from urban-based, private sector businesses, where its ease of driving and silent operation are complemented by availability of public charging points and more favourable parking legislation.’

Pricing will start at £21,300 +VAT, full specification and pricing details of the Berlingo Electric will be announced nearer to its UK on-sale date. Citroën is also launching a number of other new LCV products at the CV Show, including the Dispatch HDi 125 L1H1 1200 6-seat Crew Van and Stop & Start equipped Relay vans. All will be launched under the ongoing “Citroën Vans – Business Class” theme.