Citroen e-Berlingo 2021
The Citroen e-Berlingo 2021 has broken cover and the specification together with very useful features on both the van and the My Citroen App mean this could be a serious player in the small to medium UK van sector.
Citroen e-Berlingo Specification
The electric version of the New Citroen Berlingo has a range of 171 miles although Citroen don’t quote which WLTP cycle has been used and its subject to confirmation. This range is derived from the 50kWh battery ( 3.42 m/kWh) and a 100kw (136hp) electric motor and 100kW rapid charging is supported with an 80% charge taking just 30 minutes. All this without compromising on the diesels load capacity of up to 4.4m3 and payloads of around the 800kg mark,
Citroen e-Berlingo Warranty
The battery warranty is guaranteed for 70% of battery capacity for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Three driving modes
As is becoming “the norm” on electric vehicles, the New ë-Berlingo Van has three levels of braking re-generation available controlled via the centre console although this does not alter the maximum speed of 84mph, where permitted.
- Normal – limits power to 80kW/180Nm and is ideal for everyday driving conditions.
- Eco – limits power to 60kW/190Nm and enables energy consumption to be optimised by reducing the use of heating and air conditioning, but without deactivating them.
- Power – 100kW/260Nm optimises vehicle performance for greater comfort and performance under maximum load conditions.
Citroen e-Berlingo charging times
For the standard at home charging the battery can be recharged using a standard 3-pin 13A domestic socket which will take around 13 hours for 80% charge.
If you have a 32A charger recharging takes as around 7 hours with single-phase supply or 5 hours with three-phase supply and the optional 11 kW on-board charger.
According to Citroen at a public charging station, using a 100 kW charger, the battery replenishes to 80% of charge in 30 minutes.
Finally the Citroen e-Berlingo offers tow levels of regenerative braking operated via the centre console for increased range potential and help reduce the service brakes, technology.
Pre-driving features
The Citroen e-Berlingo 2021 features delayed charging functionality allowing drivers to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs and also thermal preconditioning. This handy function enables the cab temperature to be increased or decreased to 21 degrees whilst still connected to the mains, meaning that power is not drawn from the vehicles battery.
My Citroen App
The My Citroën app allows drivers to access many of the van’s functions remotely, including managing the battery charging process, viewing the charge level, thermal preconditioning of the cabin and controlling the delayed charging. All can be configured from a smartphone or tablet, or directly using the vehicle’s touchscreen, which offers connected browsing via the “Energy” menu. This operation is possible for domestic charging (mode 2) or fast charging (mode 3). Delayed charging can be modified instantaneously.
Citroen and BP
The e-Berlingo comes with si x months free membership to BP Pulse ( formerly Polar), offering 7,000 public charge points across the UK, with certain locations offering rapid charging to accommodate the 100kW.
Citroen e-Berlingo features
Inside the cab is an ë-Toggle switch controlling the gearbox – with Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive functions – together with a selector enabling the three driving modes to be activated: Eco, Normal and Power. The 8-inch touchscreen has a specific “Energy” page in its menu, which gives access to the vehicle’s electric features. This includes an energy flow animation that shows the electric powertrain operating in real time. It also shows the driving mode being used, the electric motor in operation and the charge level of the battery, plus consumption statistics. The driver can also see the delayed charging and thermal preconditioning settings.
New Citroën ë-Berlingo Van provides a sustainable mobility solution for businesses and fleet operators. It will be available in UK dealerships during Q4 2021.
Click here to read about the growth of electric vans in 2020