WHY CHOOSE AN ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE?

The defining feature of an electric car is that it runs on an electric motor instead of a combustion engine powered by petrol or diesel.

This motor is powered by a built-in battery, which needs to be recharged regularly to supply the necessary energy.

This key difference brings several advantages:

• No need for a gearbox, as the electric motor operates efficiently at high speeds and delivers instant torque;
• A quiet, odor-free driving experience since no fuel combustion occurs;
• Zero CO₂ emissions or pollutant particles released into the air.
  

The main difference between electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles (HEVs) is how they are powered.

Electric Vehicles (EVs):

• Fully electric - powered only by a battery and electric motor.
• No petrol or diesel engine - does not use fuel.
• Needs charging - must be plugged into a charging station or outlet.
• Zero emissions - produces no exhaust or pollution.

Hybrid Vehicles (HEVs):

• Combination of petrol engine and electric motor.
• Self-charging - uses deceleration to recharge the battery (no need to plug in).
• Better fuel efficiency than regular petrol cars.
• Emits some CO₂ but less than traditional vehicles.

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) (A mix of both):

• Larger battery than HEVs - can run on electricity alone for a range of several dozen miles.
• Should be plugged in to charge like an EV.
• Uses petrol engine when the battery runs out.

Many people think of electric vehicles as a relatively new method of transportation, but history says otherwise. Electricity has actually been competing with petrol- and steam - to power automobiles since the very dawn of the horseless carriage. Today's modern EVs were preceded by more than a century of electric-powered automotive experiments.

With growing environmental concerns and changing regulations, more and more drivers are turning to electric vehicles:

• Less polluting: EVs produce no CO₂ emissions while driving, helping reduce your carbon footprint.
• Cheaper to run: Charging is often less expensive than refueling, and maintenance is simpler.
• Quiet and smooth: No engine noise, a calm and comfortable driving experience.
• Better for your health: No exhaust fumes or fine particles in urban areas.
• Future-proof: With stricter emissions laws and more low-emission zones, electric mobility is clearly the way forward.

Yes, electric cars (EVs) are generally very reliable. Here’s why:

• Fewer Moving Parts: EVs don’t have complex engines, transmissions, or exhaust systems, reducing the risk of breakdowns.
• Less Maintenance: No oil changes, fewer fluids, and minimal wear on brakes (thanks to regenerative braking).
• Durable Electric Motors: Electric motors are known as having fewer failure points compared to internal combustion engines.
• Battery Longevity: Modern EV batteries are designed to last many years and come with long warranties.
  

The lifespan of an electric car is similar to that of a combustion-engine vehicle. It varies depending on several factors, including maintenance, driving habits, and usage conditions.

The future of electric cars looks promising. With the climate crisis and the planned phase-out of petrol and diesel vehicles in many countries (often by 2035), automakers are heavily investing in electric mobility. Batteries are becoming more efficient, prices are dropping, range is improving, and charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly. In addition, regulations and tax incentives are encouraging adoption. In the near future, electric cars are expected to become the norm for most drivers—both in cities and on highways.

Electric cars, like traditional cars, undergo standard crash tests and achieve good results. The batteries do not risk exploding in the event of an accident. Additionally, electric cars operate without a clutch, gearbox, or engine oil, which are often responsible for fires during accidents. Generally, they have fewer components, reducing the likelihood of failures. The batteries are completely isolated from the rest of the vehicle, and in the event of an accident, the entire system is automatically disconnected.

Regardless of whether a car is electric or powered by an internal combustion engine, driving on a flooded road is never safe. Electric vehicles have significant protections to reduce the risk of electrocution, and their components are designed to resist moisture contamination. However, full submersion is a different story. Even if you accidentally drive into a flood, the chances of electrocution in an EV are extremely low. Still, it's best to be cautious—avoid driving through deep water in any vehicle. The high-voltage battery is sealed to prevent water penetration.

Electric vehicles (EVs) can pose a higher risk to pedestrians in certain situations, mainly because they are much quieter than traditional vehicles, especially at low speeds. This can make it harder for pedestrians to hear them approaching.

To address this, regulations have been introduced in many countries that require EVs to emit artificial sounds (called Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems, or AVAS) when driving at low speeds - typically under 20 mph.

So while the risk exists, especially in urban environments, it’s being actively mitigated through technology and regulation.

Electric cars are often more expensive to buy than equivalent petrol or diesel models, mainly due to the cost of the battery.

However, over time, they are cheaper to run: electricity is less expensive than fuel in most countries, maintenance is simpler (no oil, fewer moving parts), and there are often incentives or ecological bonuses available.

Additionally, prices are gradually decreasing with industrialization and technological advancements.

As a result, the total cost over the vehicle's lifespan (total cost of ownership or TCO) is often comparable or even lower than that of a conventional car.

An electric car is generally simpler and less expensive to maintain! Unlike Petrol or diesel engines, electric motors have far fewer moving parts (around 200 compared to up to 2,000 for a combustion engine), which means fewer things can go wrong. No need for oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust system maintenance — all of that is gone. As a result, maintenance costs are often around 30% lower. That said, just like any car, it’s still important to regularly check the brakes, tires, suspension, and of course, the battery, which is a key component of the vehicle.

Parking a 100% electric vehicle is free in some cities and at preferential rates in others.

There's a common perception that the first service for a BEV (battery electric vehicle) can be expensive. However, the reality is that BEVs generally require less frequent and less expensive scheduled maintenance compared to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. First Service Might Include Extras*:

The first service for a BEV might include additional inspections beyond the typical maintenance checks. This could involve:

• Battery health check: Verifying the battery's condition and performance, it's State of Health (SOH).
  
• Software updates: Ensuring the car's software is up-to-date for optimal performance and bug fixes.
  
• Visual inspections: Checking for any loose connections, fluid levels in certain BEV systems (like cooling systems), and tire wear.
  

These additional checks might contribute to a higher initial service cost compared to a basic oil change on a Petrol car.

Overall Cost Lower in the Long Run:

• While the first service might seem expensive, BEVs typically require fewer maintenance visits throughout their lifetime compared to Petrol vehicles.
  

The savings from avoiding regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, and emission system maintenance can offset the initial service cost for a BEV in the long run.

The range of an electric car refers to the distance it can travel on a single battery charge. It mainly depends on the battery capacity, but also on several external factors, such as: Speed, Driving style (eco, smooth, or sporty), Type of road (flat or hilly), Outside temperature (heating or air conditioning consumes energy) and Vehicle load.

Range varies by model: from 46 miles for Citroën AMI to 421 miles for the All-New Citroën C5 Aircross (based on the European WLTP standard). In real-world use, Citroën's electric cars can easily cover everyday driving needs, which are often less than 31 miles per day.

For more details, do not hesistate to explore the dedicated vehicles pages or simulate the range of our electric vehicles using our calculator on-line.

The advertised WLTP range is a standardized value determined through lab testing using the WLTP cycle (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure). It allows for fair comparison between vehicles, but it doesn’t always reflect real-world driving conditions.

The actual (real-world) range depends on many everyday factors, such as:

• Speed: driving at higher speeds increases aerodynamic drag and reduces efficiency, especially on highways.
• Driving style: aggressive or sporty driving uses more energy.
• Outside temperature: extreme cold or heat affects battery performance, and using heating or air conditioning consumes extra energy.
• Type of road: highway, city driving, or hilly terrain all impact energy consumption differently.
• Vehicle load: the more weight the car carries, the more energy it needs.
• Use of onboard features: headlights, multimedia systems, etc., add to the overall consumption.

In short: the WLTP range provides a reference point, but the real range is often lower because it depends on your driving habits, speed and environment.Do not hesistate to simulate the range of our electric vehicles using our calculator on-line.

There are mainly 5 factors that impact the range of an electric vehicle:

• Speed

The faster you drive, the more energy you use. At 80 mph, your range can be cut in half. The good news? Fast chargers are available on most highways — perfect for a coffee or lunch break, during which you can recover up to 80% of your battery in about 30 minutes.

 

• Air Conditioning and Heating

Comfort features like A/C and heating draw power directly from the battery. For instance, using the heater at full blast can reduce your range by 10% or more. To optimize efficiency, it’s best to preheat or pre-cool the car while it’s still plugged in. This “thermal preconditioning” can be easily done from your smartphone via the MyCitroën app.

 

• Outside Temperature — Especially Cold Weather

Low temperatures can reduce battery efficiency, leading to a 10–30% drop in range. On top of that, heating the cabin in cold weather uses additional energy, which further impacts your total range.

 

• Driving Style

If you have a heavy foot on the accelerator, expect higher consumption. A dynamic or aggressive driving style can increase energy use by 25–30% compared to a smooth, energy-efficient approach.

 

• Vehicle Load

The heavier your car (passengers, luggage, cargo), the more energy it needs to move. More weight = less range.

To get the most out of every charge, here are some simple and effective tips:

🚗 Drive smoothly

Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking. Gentle, anticipative driving reduces energy consumption.

 

⚖️ Lighten the load

Only carry what you need. Less weight = less effort for the motor = more range.

 

🛣️ Use regenerative braking

Take advantage of regenerative braking to recover energy when slowing down. It slightly recharges the battery and adds extra miles.

 

🌡️ Preheat or precool while charging

Use the MyCitroën app to heat or cool the cabin while the car is still plugged in. This saves battery for driving, not comfort.

 

🧣 Use heated seats instead of full cabin heating

They consume much less energy while still keeping you warm.

 

🚦 Avoid high speeds and highways when possible

Higher speeds mean more air resistance, which significantly reduces range.

 

🔋 Plan your routes

Use e-Routes or the EV Routing on-board (depending on vehicles) to optimize your route and charging stops.

Electric car energy consumption is measured in kWh/62 miles (kilowatt-hours per 62 miles) — similar to liters per 62 miles for a petrol car. On average, it is around 17 kWh/62 miles. But just like fuel cars, consumption can vary depending on: Speed, Driving style, Outside temperature, Road elevation (hills use more energy) and Vehicle load. Cost comparison: If electricity costs £0.17 per kWh, and your car uses 17 kWh/62 miles, that’s just £2,89 to drive 62 miles — much cheaper than a tank of Petrol!

Don’t let your journey be ruined by range anxiety, fretting about how many miles you can drive before the need to plug in: discover  e-ROUTES by Free2move Charge, the mobile app created for you by Citroën to enrich your driving experience.

The e-ROUTES  app is your electric co-pilot  that will guide you to destinations, recommending the best charging stations and providing you with real-time battery level updates. ​Forget range anxiety and just enjoy your trips even if your vehicle does not have an embedded navigation system: know your estimated end charge upon arrival and stay informed about charging station availability. 

With e-ROUTES, you always get the best route indications taking into account live traffic information and speedcam alerts.​

Whether at home, in the office, on outings near you or on longer trips, there are many charging solutions available.

At home, it is the most used charging solution: with this charging solution, take advantage of the night to recover all your autonomy. On a socket or on a Wall box, it's up to you to choose according to the kms you cover daily, your charging possibilities outside, the one that best meets your needs.

At the office: for individuals, ask your company about the possibilities of recharging in the parking lot of your workplace.For professionals, get support from our partners in the diagnosis and installation of charging stations depending on the size of your electric fleet, your autonomy needs, ...

You can also find charging solutions more and more easily in the street: in town when you go out, in the car parks of shopping centers or supermarkets, ... The Charge My Car service available on the Free2Move app will allow you locate the available terminals, guide you through them and facilitate payment.

And on the motorway network, you can benefit from fast charging stations allowing you to quickly recover a lot of autonomy. 

When on the go, it is very easy to locate a public charging station on your mobile phone. All you have to do is go to the Free2Move application and subscribe to the Charge My Car offer (£4/month, this offer is offered for 1 year to 100% electric ë-C4 customers at the time of vehicle purchase).

• Location of more than 220,000 charging points of the local partner network and compatible with your 100% electric or hybrid vehicle. It is the largest network of charging points in Europe.
  
• For 100% electric vehicles, you can also plan your longest journeys: route calculation including stopping at the charging stations.

Citroën electric and hybrid vehicles are compatible with the European standard and therefore compatible with all terminals in Europe.

Citroën 100% electric vehicles (excluding Citroën AMI) are standard compatible with 50kW fast charging on terminal for ë-Relay and 100 kW for other vehicles in the range. 

You can charge your vehicle on a conventional domestic socket, with a specific cable designed for this use. On a 100% electric vehicle (excluding AMI) it is mainly a breakdown charge because the recharging times are very long with this type of connection.

If you want faster recharging, opt for the installation of a reinforced outlet or a Wall box. 

If the car park is equipped with charging stations, payment will be made according to the pricing conditions set by the car park manager. 

Some cables are supplied as standard equipment and others are specific equipment available to order as an accessory.

Each charge has its own cable.

100% electric and hybrid vehicles:

• Standard mode 2 cable: for use on a household outlet.
• Reinforced mode 2 cable: for use on a reinforced socket.
• Single-phase mode 3 cable: for use on a 7.4 kW Wall Box or public terminal. 

100% electric vehicles:

• Three-phase mode 3 cable: for use on a three-phase Wall Box or public terminal. The 11 kW on-board charger must be taken as an option when purchasing the vehicle. 
  

You can start a charge, program deferred charging and pre-conditioning of the passenger compartment, all from the comfort of your sofa from the My Citroën app. 

Yes. Every battery ever made self-discharges. Newer lithium-ion batteries are better at maintaining their state-of-charge than certain other types of batteries, but there is still some level of self-discharge. In addition, when an EV is parked in extreme ambient conditions it uses energy to either heat or cool the battery pack to keep it at a safe temperature. If you're planning to escape cold weather with a mid-winter vacation for a week or two, you will want to make sure the airport parking lot has EV charging or you could come back to a flat battery.

When the SOC reaches critically low levels, the car will start to warn you and to apply strategies to save energy and try to get you to the nearest charging station.After the first warning, the car will enter Turtle mode and reduce consumption (limiting power and speed, limiting power to non-essential features). Further on, the car will alert you to pull over safely before coming to a complete stop.

Yes, BEVs Have a 12V Battery

Just like traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, electric vehicles (BEVs) also have a 12V battery.

While the high-voltage battery powers the electric motor, the 12V battery is responsible for powering the vehicle's accessories and systems, such as: Lights, Wipers, Power windows, Infotainment system, Power locks and other low-voltage components. Essentially, the 12V battery acts as a backup power source for the vehicle's essential functions.   

If your BEV's high voltage battery is completely depleted, the car will simply stop working. It won't be able to start or operate any of its electric systems.

Here's what you can expect:

• No power: You won't be able to start the car, operate the windows, or use any electrical components.
• Towing: You'll need to be towed to a charging station or a repair facility.
• Potential issues: Completely draining the battery can potentially damage it, although modern BEVs have built-in safeguards to prevent this.

Important Note: Modern BEVs have sophisticated battery management systems that prevent complete depletion to protect the battery's health and lifespan. It's highly unlikely that you'll completely drain the battery unless there's a serious issue with the vehicle.

If your BEV's 12V battery is dead, you'll likely experience the following:

• Limited functionality: Most of the vehicle's electronic systems, including infotainment, power windows, and lights, will not work.
• Inability to charge the main battery: In some cases, the charging process might be hindered or prevented altogether.
• Potential for jump-starting: Unlike traditional ICE vehicles, you cannot jump-start a BEV's 12V battery using another vehicle.

 

To address a dead 12V battery, you can:

• Use a portable jump starter: This is the most common method. Many portable jump starters are specifically designed for EVs and can quickly recharge the 12V battery.
• Connect to a charger: If you have access to a charger, connecting your EV might help recharge the 12V battery.
• Replace the battery: If the 12V battery is old or damaged, replacing it might be necessary.

It's important to note that while a dead 12V battery can be inconvenient, it usually doesn't pose a significant issue for most BEV owners.

Since the battery is electromagnetically shielded, these items have no negative impact on the battery.

Commonly known as “smart charging”, V1G is currently the cheaper and more common option for EV implementation. In contrast to V2G, which is two-directional, V1G is one-directional and varies the time and speed of EV charging to provide grid frequency response and load balancing services.

Although V1G cannot export electricity back to the grid, it provides valuable “load shifting” during periods of high demand, a function that helps to maintain the integrity of the local energy network.

Citroën electric vehicles don’t recharge while driving, but they are equipped with a regenerative braking system. When you slow down or brake, the car converts kinetic energy into electricity, which is then sent back to the battery.

This clever system helps recover a few extra miles, especially in urban environments where stop-and-go driving is frequent. It’s a great way to optimise your range, but it’s not enough for a full recharge.

To keep your Citroën electric vehicle running, regular charging from an external power source — such as a home wallbox or public charging station — is still essential.

Creating your My Citroën account is child’s play. First, download the app on App Store or Play Store, depending on your equipment.

To register easily, bring your registration card. To pair your vehicle with the app and take advantage of all the features, you will need to enter your vehicle's VIN number and current mileage. 

The VIN number (chassis number), comprising 17 alphanumeric characters can be found in section E of your registration certificate. Your mileage is displayed on your instrument panel.

With this information entered, the entire digital ecosystem of your Citroën and all the connected services are at your fingertips.

The maintenance of an electric vehicle is very simplified, it is a real asset:

• Less frequent maintenance than on a combustion engine vehicle.
• No oil change, replacement of oil filters, clutch or exhaust check.
• Less frequent visit to the workshop: approximately every 2 years or 15,000 miles.
• A systematic diagnosis is carried out by the authorized Citroën network each time the vehicle is serviced. 
  

Whether it is a 100% electric vehicle (excluding AMI) or a plug-in hybrid, Citroën commits to a traction battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles at the 1st expiry, for a minimum charge of 70% of its capacity.

On AMI the warranty is 3 years or 25,000 miles.

The starter battery (12 Volt) is guaranteed like the rest of the vehicle. 

The battery is diagnosed at each visit to the workshop.

For a 100% electric vehicle, the customer can request a "battery capacity certificate" each time his vehicle is serviced if he has a service contract including maintenance. 

You cannot test the battery yourself. A diagnostic tool is needed which will read the fault codes and allow their analysis.

A systematic diagnosis is carried out by the authorized Citroën network during each vehicle service.

For a 100% electric vehicle, the customer can request a "battery capacity certificate" each time his vehicle is serviced if he has a service contract including maintenance. 

Your handset provides you with all the information on your battery level and you have a 18 miles alert for 100% electric vehicles. In the event of a battery failure, roadside assistance is included in Citroën offers and will pick you up in less than 40 minutes on average.

Attention, do not confuse "battery failure" and "energy failure":

• Battery failure:
  • 70% of the battery capacity is guaranteed.
  • Assistance * for 8 years or over 100,000 miles for at least 70% of its load capacity.
  • Average intervention in 40 minutes.

 

• Power failure:
  • Free assistance is included in service contracts and towing to the nearest terminal.
  • You have an alert 18 miles before the failure.
  • Average intervention in 40 minutes.

* For Citroën Ami: 3 years or 25,000 miles 

Yes. Most BEV batteries today use a lithium-ion chemistry similar to every portable electronic device. They will age from time and cycling, or how many times a battery is depleted and charged. Fast-charging on a Level 3 connection causes more heat buildup and degrades batteries faster than a Level 2. Charging the battery above 80 percent or letting the battery dip below 20 percent also causes more wear and reduces life.

However, auto manufacturers engineer vehicle batteries to significantly outlast what's in an iPhone. This is done in part by reducing the operating capacity of the battery so it never fully charges or empties (even if the display that the driver sees says otherwise). It should also ease your concern to know that every new EV comes with a battery warranty that spans at least eight years or 100,000 miles. As with all warranties, the specific details and exclusions vary among automakers, but the typical approach is to guarantee a certain amount of battery capacity—80 percent or so—at the end of the warrantee period. If your vehicle's battery degrades past that point, the automaker will replace it.

Yes, I am subject to technical control in the 4th year for a new vehicle, then every 2 years, as for combustion vehicles. 

An EV does not need more maintenance than any other vehicle as regular maintenance and service checks are important for every car to ensure its reliability and safety. Having said that, electric cars don't have oil or transmission fluids that need to be changed, and also have fewer moving parts.

Electric vehicles are not so service-intensive. They have fewer parts that wear out. They do not have spark plugs, cylinders, injection, turbochargers, oil tanks, etc. Therefore, services focus mainly on checking the brake system and voltage or to measure the battery capacity, i.e. the vehicle’s wiring. The details of electric vehicle servicing will depend on the model and its equipment.

As the vehicle has an electrical system, the specific work that drivers can handle themselves (of the type they are used to with conventional cars) needs to be defined. However, the scope of this activity will be limited as the engine becomes simpler over time. Of course, basic tasks associated with the operation of the vehicle, such as checking the tyre pressure and refilling the operating fluids, will remain. We recommend that you leave everything else to an authorised service centre for a first-class service.

Lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles are recyclable and are subject to a legal recycling requirement of at least 50% in Europe.Currently, between 70% and 96% of the materials can be recovered, depending on the recycling processes and battery components. With the growth of electromobility, battery production is expected to increase, leading to higher demand for raw materials and a rise in the number of batteries reaching the end of their life cycle. This trend will encourage the development of more cost-effective and efficient recycling methods.

The STELLANTIS group has set up a process for collecting and recycling batteries from electric vehicles and hybrids in all points of sale in Europe, in partnership with recognized European recyclers. STELLANTIS, through its partner recyclers, ensures recycling efficiency of at least 70%. 

The carbon footprint of an electric vehicle is generally better than that of a conventional vehicle, provided its entire life cycle is taken into account. Admittedly, its manufacturing—especially the battery production—is more polluting due to the extraction of metals and the use of fossil energy. However, once on the road, the electric car emits no CO₂ or particles, particularly when charged with low-carbon electricity. According to several European studies, it can reduce CO₂ emissions by 30 to 70% compared to an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle. Therefore, despite a higher initial impact, the electric vehicle stands out as a more climate-friendly solution in the long term.

🔋 The Battery

This is the car’s energy source. Citroën offers 2 technologies: lithium-ion batteries — the same type used in phones — and LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries.

 

⚙️ The Electric Motor

It converts electricity into mechanical energy to move the car. It’s quiet, low-maintenance, and offers instant torque, allowing for quick, smooth acceleration without the need for gears.

 

🔄 The Inverter

This device converts DC (direct current) from the battery into AC (alternating current) to power the electric motor.

 

🔌 The Charging System

Charging can be done through regular outlets or dedicated charging stations (for faster charging). Unlike fuel-powered cars, you’re not tied to gas stations — you can charge almost anywhere.

An electric car runs on a built-in battery, without gearboxes, pistons, or drive belts. Unlike internal combustion engines, it uses an electric motor to power the vehicle. Find out everything you need to know to understand how this revolutionary type of vehicle works.

 

🔋 The battery acts like a fuel tank — it stores the energy needed to power the car.

⚙️ The electric motor uses that electricity to turn the wheels. It converts electrical energy into motion (mechanical energy).

🔄 The inverter converts DC (direct current) from the battery into AC (alternating current) for the motor to use.

⚡ Regenerative braking captures energy when slowing down and sends it back to the battery.

🔌 Charging is done through a regular outlet or a public charging station — it’s like “refueling” with electricity.

Electric motors work differently from gas engines — they give you full power as soon as you press the pedal. Since they can spin really fast (up to 10,000 times per minute!), there's no need for multiple gears. That’s why electric cars usually have just one speed — simple and smooth!