January sees Citroen extend its electric light commercial vehicle offering, with the introduction of the e-Berlingo compact van. The Berlingo was the UK’s best selling compact van in 2021, and the e-Berlingo Van Electric, to give it its full name, is set to increase the appeal of the brand for urban customers.
e-Berlingo Power and Charging
Citroen has replaced the petrol and diesel engines in the Berlingo with a 136hp electric motor, powered by a battery pack that’s kept under the floor of the van. With a capacity of 50kWh, it’s expected to provide up to 171 miles of motoring before requiring a recharge, at least under official WLTP testing.
Supporting a recharging rate of up to 100kW, the van can be topped up from empty to 80% charge in just 30 minutes, giving you another 136 miles of range - more than enough for most use cases.
As well as rapid charging, all models will connect to a standard home or office wall box. Cheaper than rapid charging, these are ideal to leave the van connected to overnight, ensuring the user has a full tank each morning.
Drivers can extend their range by using one of three operating modes when behind the wheel. Normal, Eco and Power to what they suggest, with the Eco mode reducing available power and limiting the use of some ancillaries to save energy. To optimise the range further, the e-Berlingo features regenerative braking, which drivers can activate via the central console to maximise energy recovery during braking. Power mode, predictably, unleashes everything for maximum performance.
As well as being cheaper to power than a diesel model, the e-Berlingo is currently exempt from Congestion and Ultra-low Emissions Zone charges, which will help to keep running costs down further.
e-Berlingo Payload
Despite having to find space to hide all the batteries, cargo space in the back of the e-Berlingo is unaffected, measuring the same as in the traditional petrol or diesel-powered version. With two sizes of panel van available, as well as a five-seater crew van, there should be an option to suit most SME and urban fleet businesses.
The shorter model, badged ‘M’ for medium, has a cargo volume of 3.3m3, extending to 3.9m3 if the Extenso seat package is used - this allows the passenger seat to fold down, with a hatch in the bulkhead providing some extra space for long loads. You’ll be able to fit a load of up to 1,817mm long, extending to 3,090mm with the hatch open.
The longer XL version offers the same Extenso seat capability, with load lengths of 2,167mm extending to 3,440mm, while the cargo volume runs from 3.8m3 to 4.4m3.
With a heavy battery pack to accommodate, ultimate payload capacity is reduced slightly from the regular Berlingo, with the e-Berlingo M maxing out at 803kg, while the longer XL reaches a 751kg maximum.
e-Berlingo Trim Levels
Picking an e-Berlingo has been kept simple, thanks to Citroen offering just two trim levels. The Enterprise Pro model is available across all configurations and comes with air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, electric folding door mirrors and automatic headlights as standard.
There’s also an 8.0-inch infotainment system, which includes a DAB radio and the usual Bluetooth connectivity you would expect. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring is also included as standard.
The Driver Pro model, only available on the M panel van version, adds the Citroen Advanced Comfort seat and extra noise insulation for a more refined experience. The infotainment system is upgraded to a 10.0-inch model with navigation and live traffic updates. Front parking sensors and rear- and side-cameras are included for extra safety, too.
Both models include the flexible Extenso passenger seat, which includes a handy fold-out desk as well as increasing load capacity.
e-Berlingo Availability
The Citroen e-Berlingo Van Electric is available now, with lease rates starting from a little over £300 per month plus VAT. Retail prices begin at £24,910 after the government’s plug-in van grant is deducted but before VAT.
As with every other Citroen commercial vehicle, it’s backed by a three-year or 100,000-mile warranty. The battery pack is covered by an extended package, with eight years of security, although still limited to 100,000 miles.
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