Citroen e-C4 review: range, battery & charging
The e-C4’s is now optionally available with a bigger 54kWh battery – only adding to the crossover's appeal
|
Model |
Range |
Wallbox charge time |
Rapid charge time |
|
50kWh |
219 miles |
7hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) |
<30mins (10-80%, 100kW) |
|
54kWh |
261 miles |
7hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) |
<30mins (10-80%, 100kW) |
It doesn’t come close to being one of the longest-range electric cars on sale, but recent updates to the Citroen e-C4 means it’ll now travel further than ever before. There’s a choice of two batteries, with each charging at a competitive maximum DC rate of 100kW. Regardless, even the entry-level e-C4 is capable of over 200 miles on a charge and all models come fitted as standard with a heat pump, allowing you to get as close as possible to Citroen’s claimed figures during the colder months.
Citroen e-C4 range
Within the Stellantis group (Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall, DS, etc) and its stable of small electric cars, the e-C4 is arguably pitched as the value proposition. Even the basic one still costs more than £30,000 – this is not a cheap car – but an equivalent DS is roughly 20% more again, so it’s all relative.
As such, entry-level Citroen e-C4s use slightly older technology, sticking with the smaller 50kWh battery used since launch in 2020. If you're willing to pay the extra, however, Citroen does now offer the larger 54kWh battery found in the new Jeep Avenger, offering a potential range of almost 260 miles. It’s only available on the range-topping ë-Series model, though.
Yet even the cheapest e-C4 still returns a claimed 219 miles per charge, or roughly 180-200 miles in normal driving. Rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3 (58kWh) and Kia Niro EV top out at 260 miles and 285 miles, respectively. The saloon-bodied Citroen e-C4 X now also gets both battery options. Its sleeker, slipperier shape means it's marginally more efficient, but truthfully there's very little in it.
Charge time
The majority of electric-car owners are likely to have an accompanying home wallbox installed, and so can enjoy a seven-and-a-half hour charge time from their e-C4 – perfect for an overnight top-up. If you have a three-phase electricity supply at home, an on-board 11kW charger can be optioned for £300 to take advantage of a quicker home wallbox. Few households have this capability, though, so check before you shell out.
The Citroen’s rapid charge times are competitive, too. Plug in to a fast enough CCS rapid charger and the e-C4 will max out at 100kW, which is good enough for a 10-80% refill in around 30 minutes, enabling occasional long-distance drives without too much trouble. Better charging efficiency means near-identical numbers for the bigger battery car, too.
