If you’re looking for a practical, spacious, and eco-friendly vehicle that can handle all your family and leisure activities, you might want to check out the new Citroën e-Berlingo. This is the latest version of the popular MPV that has been on the market since 1996, and it comes with a fully electric powertrain that offers a range of up to 174 miles on a single charge.
We’ll take a closer look at the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the new Citroën e-Berlingo and compare it with some of its competitors in the electric van-based MPV segment. We’ll also give you some tips on how to make the most of your electric vehicle and save money on running costs.
What Makes the Citroën e-Berlingo Different from Other Electric MPVs?
The Citroën e-Berlingo is not the first electric MPV on the market, but it is one of the most versatile and affordable ones. It is based on the same platform as the Peugeot e-Rifter and the Vauxhall Combo-e Life, but it has some distinctive features that set it apart from its siblings.
First of all, the Citroën e-Berlingo has a unique design that combines the robustness of a van with the elegance of a car. It has a distinctive front end with a two-tier light signature and a chrome chevron grille, as well as a large glass area that provides excellent visibility and brightness. The e-Berlingo also comes with a choice of eight body colors and two roof colors, as well as 16-inch alloy wheels and roof bars.
Secondly, the Citroën e-Berlingo offers a high level of customization and modularity thanks to its two body lengths and three seating configurations. You can choose between the M version, which is 4.4 meters long and has five seats, and the XL version, which is 4.75 meters long and has seven seats. You can also opt for the Modutop option, which adds a panoramic glass roof, additional storage compartments, and a rear window that can be opened independently from the tailgate.
Thirdly, the Citroën e-Berlingo is equipped with a range of advanced technologies that enhance the comfort, safety, and convenience of the driver and passengers. It has a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a wireless smartphone charging pad, a head-up display, and a reversing camera. The e-Berlingo also features 18 driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and emergency braking.
How Does the Citroën e-Berlingo Perform as an Electric Vehicle?
The Citroën e-Berlingo is powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor that delivers 260 Nm of torque. It is connected to a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides a range of up to 174 miles under the WLTP testing cycle. The e-Berlingo can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 11.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 84 mph.
The e-Berlingo also has three driving modes that can be selected via a toggle switch on the central console. These are:
- Normal mode, which provides the best balance between range and performance.
- Eco mode, which reduces the power output and the air conditioning to optimize energy consumption.
- Power mode, which boosts the performance and responsiveness when carrying a heavy load.
The e-Berlingo also has a regenerative braking system that recovers energy during deceleration and braking. The driver can activate the B mode on the gear selector to increase the level of regeneration and reduce the use of the brake pedal.
The e-Berlingo can be charged using various methods, from a standard domestic socket to a 100 kW rapid charger. It comes with a 7.4 kW single-phase onboard charger as standard and an 11 kW three-phase charger as an option. The charging times are as follows:
- A full charge from a 7 kW wallbox takes 7.5 hours.
- A full charge from a 22 kW public charger takes 5 hours.
- An 80% charge from a 100 kW rapid charger takes 30 minutes.
The e-Berlingo also has a function for deferred charging, which allows the driver to schedule the charging time to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. It also has a function for thermal pre-conditioning, which enables the driver to set the cabin temperature while the vehicle is plugged in, thus saving battery power for the journey.
How Much Does the Citroën e-Berlingo Cost, and How Can You Save Money with It?
The Citroën e-Berlingo has a starting price of $37,500 for the M version and $39,500 for the XL version. However, these prices do not include the government grant of $3,500 that is available for eligible electric vehicles in the UK. Therefore, the actual prices are $34,000 and $36,000 respectively.
The e-Berlingo is available in three trim levels: Feel, Flair, and Flair XTR. The Feel trim has standard features such as manual air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, and LED daytime running lights. The Flair trim adds features such as automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, electric folding mirrors, and tinted rear windows. The Flair XTR trim adds keyless entry and start features, a head-up display, a reversing camera, and a Modutop roof.
The e-Berlingo also offers some optional extras, such as a panoramic sunroof, a heated driver’s seat, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a 3D navigation system. The prices of these options vary depending on the trim level.
One of the main advantages of owning an electric vehicle is the lower running costs compared to a conventional vehicle. The e-Berlingo has a low maintenance cost, with fewer moving parts and less wear and tear. It also has a low fuel cost, as electricity is cheaper than petrol or diesel. According to the official figures, the e-Berlingo has a combined energy consumption of 3.8 miles per kWh, which means that it costs around $0.05 per mile to run, based on the average electricity price of $0.19 per kWh in the UK.
The e-Berlingo also has a low tax cost, as it is exempt from the UK's road tax and congestion charge. It also has a low company car tax, as it has a benefit-in-kind (BIK) rate of 1% for the 2021/22 tax year, which means that a 20% taxpayer would pay only $136 per year for the M version and $144 per year for the XL version.
The e-Berlingo also comes with a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles for the battery, and three years or 60,000 miles for the rest of the vehicle. The battery warranty covers the battery's capacity to at least 70% of its original level.
How Does the Citroën e-Berlingo Compare with Its Rivals?
The Citroën e-Berlingo is not the only electric van-based MPV on the market. It faces competition from the Peugeot e-Rifter, the Vauxhall Combo-e Life, and the Nissan e-NV200 Evalia. Here is a comparison table that shows how they stack up against each other in terms of price, range, performance, and practicality.
| Model | Price (after grant) | Range (WLTP) | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0-62 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Boot space (l) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citroën e-Berlingo M | $34,000 | 174 miles | 136 | 260 | 11.2 | 84 | 775 |
| Citroën e-Berlingo XL | $36,000 | 174 miles | 136 | 260 | 11.2 | 84 | 1050 |
| Peugeot e-Rifter M | $35,000 | 172 miles | 136 | 260 | 11.2 | 84 | 775 |
| Peugeot e-Rifter XL | $37,000 | 172 miles | 136 | 260 | 11.2 | 84 | 1050 |
| Vauxhall Combo-e Life M | $33,000 | 174 miles | 136 | 260 | 11.2 | 84 | 597 |
| Vauxhall Combo-e Life XL | $35,000 | 174 miles | 136 | 260 | 11.2 | 84 | 850 |
| Nissan e-NV200 Evalia | $38,000 | 124 miles | 109 | 254 | 14 | 76 | 870 |
As you can see, the Citroën e-Berlingo is very similar to the Peugeot e-Rifter and the Vauxhall Combo-e Life in terms of range and performance, as they share the same powertrain and platform. However, there are some subtle differences that might sway your decision.
How to Choose Between the Citroën e-Berlingo, the Peugeot e-Rifter, and the Vauxhall Combo-e Life?
The Citroën e-Berlingo, the Peugeot e-Rifter, and the Vauxhall Combo-e Life are all based on the same vehicle, the EMP2 platform, which is also used for other models such as the Peugeot 3008 and the Citroën C5 Aircross. This means that they have the same dimensions, the same battery capacity, the same electric motor, and the same charging options.
However, each brand has given its own twist to the electric MPV, with different styling, equipment, and prices. Here are some of the main factors that might help you choose between them:
- Design: The Citroën e-Berlingo has a more distinctive and quirky look, with a two-tier light signature, a chrome chevron grille, and a choice of two roof colors. The Peugeot e-Rifter has a more dynamic and sporty appearance, with a lion emblem, a black grille, and a GT Line trim. The Vauxhall Combo-e Life has a more conservative and functional design, with a prominent logo, a silver grille, and a SE trim.
- Interior: The Citroën e-Berlingo has a more colorful and cheerful interior, with fabric seats, a Modutop roof, and a head-up display. The Peugeot e-Rifter has a more sophisticated and premium interior, with leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 3D navigation system. The Vauxhall Combo-e Life has a simpler and more practical interior, with cloth seats, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a reversing camera.
- Price: The Citroën e-Berlingo is the cheapest of the three, with a starting price of $34,000 for the M version and $36,000 for the XL version after the government grant. The Peugeot e-Rifter is the most expensive of the three, with a starting price of $35,000 for the M version and $37,000 for the XL version after the government grant. The Vauxhall Combo-e Life is in the middle, with a starting price of $33,000 for the M version and $35,000 for the XL version after the government grant.
Ultimately, the choice between the Citroën e-Berlingo, the Peugeot e-Rifter, and the Vauxhall Combo-e Life depends on your personal preference and budget. They are all very similar in terms of performance and practicality, but they have different personalities and features. You might want to test-drive them all before making a final decision.
Conclusion: Is the Citroën e-Berlingo Worth Buying?
The Citroën e-Berlingo is a versatile, spacious, eco-friendly electric MPV that suits various needs and lifestyles. It has a decent range of 174 miles, a quick charging time of 30 minutes, and a low running cost of $0.05 per mile. It also has a unique design, high customization, and a range of advanced technologies.
However, the Citroën e-Berlingo is not perfect. It has a rather basic interior, a limited top speed of 84 mph, and a high purchase price of $34,000. It also faces competition from the Peugeot e-Rifter and the Vauxhall Combo-e Life, which are very similar but have different advantages and disadvantages.
If you are looking for an electric MPV that can upgrade your active life with electric versatility, the Citroën e-Berlingo might be a good option for you. However, you should also consider the other alternatives and compare them carefully before making a final choice.
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