Citroen eC3 Electric SUV (EV) Expected Price Calculation - With Logic | V3Cars

For this calculation, we’ll use our in-house algorithm to factor in the perceived monetary value of the difference in performance, mechanical changes, fuel costs and features and the prevailing market conditions and Citroen’s historical pricing strategy to estimate the expected price of the eC3 electric SUV. Let’s start with establishing the baseline price with the Citroen 1.2L petrol-manual.

Citroen eC3 Vs 1.2L Normal Petrol C3 - Strengths And Weaknesses

Performance & Mechanical

In terms of performance, the C3 1.2L normal petrol makes 82PS of power and 115Nm of torque. The eC3 makes a lower 57PS of power but a much higher 143Nm of peak torque. More importantly, most of this torque is available at very low RPMs, which substantially improves the city drivability.

On the mechanical side, the petrol C3 has a 5-speed manual transmission while the electric gets a single-speed reduction gear. Since there are no gear changes required in the C3 electric, you can consider it equivalent to an automatic transmission.

Dimensions

In terms of dimensions, both the cars are identical and offer the same length, width, height, wheelbase and even boot space. The only notable difference comes in terms of the ground clearance. According to international websites, the ground clearance of the electric C3 is 10mm lower than that of the C3 and stands at 170mm.

Features

Among the most notable features, the telematics (Citroen Connect) is the only additional feature available with the eC3 electric as standard.

Fuel Cost Savings

In terms of fuel cost, the C3 1.2L normal petrol-manual will cost about Rs. 5.0 per kilometre. This is based on the official mileage figure of 19.80kmpl for the Citroen 1.2L normal petrol. According to the official figures, the C3 EV goes 320km once you fully charge its 29.2kWh battery pack. At this rate, assuming the electricity rate of Rs. 9.5 per kWh, the C3 EV will cost about 87 paise per kilometre. That’s a saving of more than 4 rupees for every kilometre you drive.

The following table gives a summary of all the points covered so far in this section:

*Note: The < and > arrows in the centre column indicate whether the left side or right side car won the particular round.

It’s worth noting that the C3 EV offers a larger battery pack and better road presence than the Tiago EV. However, it has a lower warranty than other electric vehicles in India. Citroen cover the eC3’s battery for 7 years or 1,40,000km, the motor for 5 years or 1,00,000km and the complete car for 3 years or 1,25,000km. For reference, the Tiago EV offers a similar vehicle warranty but their battery and motor warranty coverage extends up to 8 years and 1,60,000km.

We’re sure that Citroen are aware of their strengths as well as the weaknesses of their upcoming eC3 electric car. Based on our calculations, if the C3 electric costs Rs. 5.22 lakh more (Rs. 11.20 ex-showroom), then you can recover the higher upfront cost in about 1,00,000km. This is still better than that of the Tiago EV, which breaks even at 1,14,000km to 1,25,000km.

Also Read: Tata Tiago EV Vs CNG-Manual - Kilometre-To-Breakeven Calculation

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Note: Check your Car EMI with our - Car Loan EMI Calculator

Citroen eC3 Live Variant Expected Price - Rs. 10.0 Lakh

To establish themselves as a viable alternative to affordable EVs, we expect Citroen to sweeten the deal with a lower km-to-breakeven figure of around 75,000km. In this case, the eC3 could start at around Rs. 10.0 lakh. This price is around Rs. 4.0 lakh higher than the C3 petrol Live variant.

Considering the bleak economic outlook in the future and price correction of Nexon EV to confirm the same, this price will seem reasonable and attractive to look past the poor brand recognition of Citroen in India, smaller service network and their lower warranty coverage. Having a sub Rs. 10.0 lakh starting price will also give it a psychological advantage of staying within the 6-figure mark.

Citroen eC3 Feel Variant Expected Price - Rs. 11.0 Lakh

For the higher Feel variant, the incremental cost could go up by another Rs. 1.0 lakh. The additional features of the eC3 Feel variant are about the same as those of the C3 petrol. In the case of the C3 petrol, the Feel variant costs about Rs. 90,000 more than the base Live variant. So, a price gap of Rs. 1.0 lakh over the eC3 Live also seems realistic.

Also Read: Nexa Fronx SUV Expected Price Calculation - With Logic

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Note: Check your car’s fuel cost with Fuel Cost Calculator in India