Citroen e-C4 Review

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The e-C4 shares its framework, battery packs and electric drivetrains with its sibling models within the parent company  – the Peugeot E-2008, Vauxhall Mokka Electric, the DS3 E-Tense, Jeep's Avenger and the Fiat 600e.

That means it has the same 50 or 54kWh battery packs, 134bhp or 154bhp electric motors and the ability to charge at up to 100kW on a DC rapid charger. They have a useful WLTP range of between 217 miles and 260 miles on a full charge, too, though, as ever, expect a bit less in reality. 

There are three driving modes to help you manage your energy, these being Eco, Normal and Sport, but like a lot of these things, it’s best left in Normal unless you’re really playing the distance-to-empty game, or you need a touch more performance overtaking. Unlike most rivals these modes actually change the power output of the motor too, meaning you can swap from the equivalent power of a 1.0-litre petrol engine to a 2.0-litre at the press of a button.

Regen in standard drive mode is good, but there’s an additional B mode that increases the 'engine braking' feel and efficiency.  

Battery 

The e-C4 comes with two battery options - a 50kWh pack that sends drive to the front wheels via a 134bhp motor or a newer, more efficient 54kWh and 154bhp option. A dedicated display in the digital instrument panel shows the battery level gauge or the range, it also giving other information like the energy flow and power indicator. Like most EV rivals you can use these displays to adapt your driving style to get the very best range from the battery. 

Charging

Citroen has equipped the e-C4 with a 100kW on-board charger, which means that if you can find an ultra-fast 150kW or better rapid charger, it’ll charge to 80% in half an hour. There’s also an app that you can use for scheduling charging to off-peak times, checking state of charge and pre-conditioning for frosty mornings - which preserves range. 

If you’re hooked up to a more common 50kW charger, you can expect to get to 80% charge in around 50 minutes. A full charge on a home single-phase wallbox will take 7hrs 15 minutes if you have a 7.4kW unit and 14hrs 30minutes if you have a 3.7kW box. Opt for the 11kW onboard charger (for £300) and that 7hr 15 minute home charge drops to around 5hrs with that 7.4kW unit, however, be warned, that optional 11kW charger is only faster if you’ve three-phase power – Citroen itself admitting this is unlikely on a home charging box – and optioning it will actually slow down the charge rate if you plug in using single-phase power.

A full charge via the granny charger and three-pin socket will take 23hrs and is only recommended in emergencies.