Concerns about electric vehicle pricing are easing as manufacturers cut costs, leading to a rise in budget-friendly electric city cars priced under 25,000 euros. Models like the Renault 5 E-Tech and Citroën ë-C3 are boosting optimism for sales growth in 2025. Stellantis is set to introduce new variants with BYD batteries, enhancing range and affordability. Upcoming models are expected to cost under 20,000 euros, positioning them competitively against rivals like Renault Twingo and Volkswagen ID.1.
Shifting Landscape of Electric Car Pricing
As concerns over electric vehicle (EV) pricing linger among consumers, a positive shift is underway. Manufacturers are progressively reducing prices, making electric cars more accessible. This trend is anticipated to gain momentum in the coming years, heralding a new era for the EV market.
Emergence of Budget-Friendly Electric Cars
The market for electric city cars priced under 25,000 euros is rapidly expanding, a development that could substantially enhance sales figures. While there was a slight dip in sales across Europe in 2024, optimism for 2025 is palpable, largely fueled by models like the Renault 5 E-Tech and the Citroën ë-C3, alongside the recently tested Fiat Grande Panda. These vehicles are set to become even more affordable soon.
Currently, Stellantis offers its city cars in a single variant, featuring a robust 113-horsepower engine paired with a 44 kWh battery. This combination yields an impressive range of up to 320 kilometers under the WLTP testing cycle. The pricing for these models stands at 23,300 and 24,900 euros, respectively, making them highly competitive. Additionally, they qualify for ecological bonuses that can range from 2,000 to 4,000 euros, depending on the buyer’s taxable income.
Excitingly, a new, budget-friendly variant is in development, with insights already surfacing about its battery. According to reputable sources, the updated version will not feature the current battery supplier, Swolt, a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors. Instead, BYD, a renowned battery manufacturer and a leading player in the electric vehicle sector, will take over battery supply for these city cars.
BYD has established itself as a formidable force in the EV market, providing battery cells for models like the new Peugeot e-3008 and e-5008, especially as domestic production of the Automotive Cells Company has experienced delays.
While the precise specifications of these new versions remain under wraps, credible reports indicate that the battery will utilize LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) chemistry, a technology that BYD has mastered through its Blade battery. This advanced battery has recently undergone enhancements and received accolades from independent organizations.
The forthcoming Citroën ë-C3 and Fiat Grande Panda are expected to feature batteries with a capacity ranging from 30 to 35 kWh, delivering a driving range of approximately 200 to 250 kilometers under the WLTP cycle. While details regarding charging capabilities are still forthcoming, current models can achieve an impressive 20 to 80% charge in about 26 minutes, supporting up to 100 kW in direct current.
As for the power output of these new variants, it’s likely to be slightly adjusted. The Citroën model is anticipated to be the first to roll out this updated version in mid-2025, followed by its Italian counterpart by the end of the same year. With base prices projected to dip below 20,000 euros, these cars will directly compete with the upcoming Renault Twingo, Nissan Pixo, and the recently teased Volkswagen ID.1.