With the arrival of the new 2CV, the popular Citroën ë-C3 will be updated to continue competing with Chinese electric vehicles.

The Citroën ë-C3 is one of the most popular electric utilities in the European market. Within the B segment, there are few more affordable options than this French model, which takes a completely different approach compared to the more premium models like the CUPRA Raval, Renault 5, or Volkswagen ID. Polo. Its price allows it to compete directly with Chinese rivals such as the BYD Dolphin Surf or the Geely E2.

This cost-effective approach has enabled it to top Spain’s electric car rankings for a few months. Currently, its range is divided into two mechanical options: Urban Range and Comfort Range. Both are equipped with the same 113 HP (83 kW) engine, differing only in their batteries—one with 30 kWh and the other with 44 kWh (both use LFP cells).

Its ranges are 206 km WLTP and 323 km WLTP respectively. Thus, while the ë-C3 Urban Range competes with urban models in segment A such as the Leapmotor T03 or the Renault Twingo, the ë-C3 Comfort Range targets the entry-level SUV variants in segment B like the aforementioned Renault 5 and Volkswagen ID. Polo.

That is where the Citroën ë-C3’s main strength lies, as it combines the size and interior space of a segment B vehicle with the price of an electric car in segment A. However, electric SUVs are becoming increasingly capable: the ID. Polo achieves a range of up to 449 km WLTP, while the R5 will be updated next year to approach 500 km WLTP.

The Citroën ë-C3 could be updated ahead of the 2CV launch

In addition, the upcoming Peugeot E-208 is also expected to achieve around 500 km WLTP range. Although this model will also belong to Stellantis, it will use a much more advanced platform (STLA One) than the Citroën (Smart Car). Either way, it’s confirmed that the ë-C3 will receive an update in the coming years as part of the company’s plan to refresh its entire lineup. Will this result in an increase in its range?

Given that the new 2CV will be launched in 2028 with a target price of 15,000 euros, it wouldn’t be surprising if the ë-C3 Urban Range is discontinued; moreover, depending on the range of the new model, it might also overlap with the ë-C3 Comfort Range. But there is a solution: the Smart Car platform supports a larger 54 kWh battery, also of the LFP type.

This package is currently available on the ë-C3 Aircross; however, in theory it could also be offered on its smaller sibling model, giving it a better chance to compete with Chinese and European rivals. Will we see a Citroën ë-C3 Extended Range? It would undoubtedly be a golden opportunity to boost sales of one of the most interesting models in its category.