Citroën’s new ë-C3 aims to make electric city cars affordable, starting at €23,300. However, early owners reported numerous issues, including problems with the ADAS system, charging difficulties, and electronic malfunctions. Manufacturing concerns emerged, with frequent trunk malfunctions and minor quality issues noted. While some users achieved close to the expected range, others criticized the performance, especially in cold weather. Despite its low leasing cost, the ë-C3 may struggle as a family vehicle, primarily serving better as a secondary car for short trips.
Citroën ë-C3: An Accessible Electric City Car
Citroën has aimed to make electric vehicles accessible to the masses with the launch of its new ë-C3. Priced from €23,300 before bonuses, or just €54 monthly through social leasing, this all-electric city car delivers 113 hp and an impressive WLTP range of 320 km.
Initial Feedback from Early Owners
As the first deliveries of the ë-C3 rolled out, we gathered insights from fifteen owners to assess their experiences. Unfortunately, many reported significant initial issues. Kevin, who took ownership in September 2024, described a malfunction with the ADAS system, which left his car immobilized for two months, despite being drivable.
Nicolas M., having covered 2600 km, raised concerns regarding the gear selector, which would occasionally blink while stuck in position P. He also noted frequent issues with speed sign recognition and a troubling defogging problem that left parts of the windshield obscured.
Jean-Baptiste, after 2200 km, experienced difficulties with fast charging. During a demonstration, the charging speed was limited to 20 kW, likely due to a lack of preconditioning. His experience was further marred by an outdated customer service number and frustration at a charging station that would not release its nozzle without manual intervention.
Owners also reported recurring electronic issues, with Romain J. lamenting the non-functionality of the e-route and e-charge app, which hindered remote charging capabilities. Safety concerns were voiced by Nicolas M., who criticized the trajectory correction system, while Vanessa A. described erratic lane-keeping sensors that could potentially compromise safety.
Aurélien H. mentioned persistent issues with the airbag light and ceiling light, raising further doubts about the vehicle’s reliability.
Quality Control Concerns
Manufacturing quality has come under scrutiny, with frequent trunk malfunctions reported by Mickaël N. Other minor but frustrating issues include detaching Citroën logos and unwanted air intakes. These problems suggest that the vehicle may have been rushed through development.
The overall user experience has also thrown up challenges. One owner, after just 600 km, found the rear seat belt hooks difficult to manage, especially with child seats involved.
Range: A Divisive Topic
The ë-C3’s range has sparked debate among users. Severine Bourgeon reported achieving close to the promised 300 km in moderate temperatures, while others like Mickaël N. criticized the highway range, claiming it drops to just 120 km. Philippe V. noted a significant drop in range during colder weather, illustrating how temperatures can dramatically affect performance.
Comparatively, an anonymous former Renault Zoé driver pointed out that the ë-C3 consumes significantly more energy than the Zoé, leading to higher daily consumption. The absence of a heat pump, a choice made to reduce costs, has been particularly detrimental to winter range, with Nicolas M. reporting a decrease in range from 280 km to 240 km in cold conditions.
Charging speed has also been a letdown, with many owners expressing frustration at not exceeding 36-38 kW on CCS chargers, despite the potential for higher speeds.
Final Thoughts on the Citroën ë-C3
The Citroën ë-C3 presents a paradox when it comes to pricing and satisfaction. As Aurélien H. pointed out, social leasing at €54 per month offers remarkable value, while outright purchases may not be as appealing. Romain J. echoed this sentiment, stating that while it serves well as a second car for short daily commutes, it falls short for family outings.