Citroen e-Berlingo

Citroen has introduced a new electric van e-Berlingo. The switch to electric traction did not affect the practicality of the van: the single-volume vehicle is still available in two wheelbase versions, can carry up to 800 kilograms, and the cargo compartment capacity varies from 3.3 to 4.4 cubic meters.

Externally, the new Citroen e-Berlingo is almost identical to the current Berlingo van with an internal combustion engine, although they differ in architecture: the diesel van is based on the EMP2 chassis, and the electric van is based on the e—CMP.

Also, buyers of an electric car will not be able to choose the type of power plant and battery capacity: there is an alternative electric motor with a peak output of 136 horsepower (torque up to 260 Nm) and a single traction battery for 50 kilowatt-hours located between the axles. The battery warranty is eight years or 160 thousand kilometers.

The autonomy of the electric van has grown after the generational change: the predecessor could travel only 170 kilometers on a single charge on the NEDC cycle, and the novelty is able to overcome up to 275 kilometers on a more rigid WLTP cycle. In order for the driver to use energy more economically, "gentle" driving modes Eco and Normal are provided. In the first case, the recoil of the electric motor is limited to 82 forces, in the second — 109 forces.

The basic van is normally equipped with a keyless access system, assistants when starting up the hill and an assistant when driving downhill, a rear-view camera, as well as an infotainment complex with a 5-inch touch screen and a smartphone control function. It is possible to remove the front passenger seat and adapt the van for the transportation of goods over three meters long.

Options include a multimedia system with a 10—inch touchscreen and navigation, a color projection display and an overload sensor.

The debut of the e-Berlingo means that the entire line of commercial Citroen has been switched to electric traction, because earlier the more spacious e-Jumpy and e-Jumper were presented.

However, in Russia, light commercial vehicles of the French brand "on batteries" are unlikely to appear: the Peugeot-Citroen concern intends to promote diesel vans and even localized the production of the 1.6 engine on "heavy" fuel.