The Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric (MPV): The Complete Electric Car Buying Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Citroen ë-Berlingo Electric MPV

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Citroen is a leading French automobile manufacturer, now owned by Netherlands based Stellantis N.V., which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Italian/ American) and Groupe PSA (French). Stellantis owns a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of leading automotive brands, to include, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Jeep, FIAT, Alfa Romeo etc. The Citroen electric vehicle (EV) portfolio includes both, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models: 

• All-electric Citroen AMI (BEV)
• All-electric Citroen ë-C3 (BEV)
• All-electric Citroen ë-C4 (BEV)
• All-electric Citroen ë-C4 X (BEV)
• All-electric Citroen E-Berlingo (BEV)
• All-electric Citroen E-Spacetourer (BEV)
• Citroen C5 Aircross plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
• Citroen C5 X plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

The internal combustion engine (ICE) Berlingo was first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1996 (first generation). The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is now in its third generation, which was unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Auto Show. The Berlingo has been sold as both a commercial van and a passenger vehicle. Since 1996 more than 1.5 million vehicles have been sold. The ë-Berlingo passenger electric van was launched in January 2021. The new Citroën pure electric MPV has been positioned as a leisure activity vehicle, that offers the versatility for ‘everyday practicality and adventure for the great outdoors’. The MPV is appropriate for families seeking an affordable electric car that offers space and practicality.

The pure electric MPV is available in two sizes: the 5-seater M version (4.4m) and the 7-seater XL version (4.75m). The seven-seater has an additional third passenger row, which offers ample headroom. The plug-in electric passenger van also offers easy access to the rear passenger seats, given the sliding doors, perfect for carparks with tight spaces. The electric Berlingo is family-friendly, with the rear seats (when folded) offering up to 4,000 L volume and more than 3m of loading length in the XL versions. The M version offers a 775 L boot and the XL offers 1050 L.

The electric vehicle (EV) has a 50 kWh EV battery with a zero-tailpipe emission electric range up to 280 km. Of course, do keep in mind that the real-world pure electric range is impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, payload, weather, road conditions, onboard services uses etc.

Expect a real-world e-range closer to 240 km, which is still very useful for a family vehicle. The majority of day-to-day trips are shorter commutes (below 25 km) i.e. grocery store, school-runs, work etc. In any case, for day and weekend trips on the motorway, the electric range is decent! However, we urge Citroën to also offer this EV in a larger battery size, closer to 100 kWh.

The e-van also benefits from DC charging capability. The passenger electric van can be charged up to 100 kW DC charging i.e. up to 80% charge in 30 minutes. Just sufficient time for a short break for rest! For home charging using a dedicated 7 kW EV charger like the Easee EV charger, a full charge will take up to 8 hours. The EV has a 7.4 kW onboard charger. We at e-zoomed recommend charging the electric vehicle overnight, when the electricity prices are cheaper.

The e-MPV is equipped with a 8″ display (Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto), 18 driving assistance systems: head-up display, intelligent beam headlights, active safety brake, collision risk alert, keyless entry/start, 180-degree colour reversing camera, park assist, active lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring and more. The EV also has four connectivity technologies.

In terms of performance, as you can expect from a family MPV, it is reasonable but not brisk. The front-wheel drive EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 11.5 seconds (max power: 134 hp). The top speed is 130 km/h. Yes, the EV benefits from instant torque. The electric van offers 3 driving modes: Normal, Eco and Power. The Eco mode optimises energy consumption and the Power mode is to maintain the performance of the vehicle when fully loaded.

Bottom-line, the EV is well suited for families and company-car drivers seeking a practical, zero-tailpipe emission passenger electric van. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Citroën EV is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
An affordable family electric people carrier : value for money	Only available in a 50 kWh EV battery option with limited EV range
A family-friendly practical passenger electric van	Infotainment system can be improved
DC charging up to 100 KW	Performance lacks inspiration

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The Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric MPV (credit: Citroen)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body Type:	MPV
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	No

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Variants (2 Options)
Citroën ë-Berlingo M (from ₹ N/A)
Citroën ë-Berlingo XL (from ₹ N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 50 kWh
Charging:	100 kW DC rapid charging (15%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 7.4 kW (0%-100%: 8 hrs)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions (M Version)
Height (mm):	1844
Width (mm):	1848
Length (mm):	4403
Wheelbase (mm):	2785
Turning Circle (m):	10.8
Boot Space (L):	775

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ë-Berlingo M
EV Battery Capacity:	50 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	280 km
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):	194
Charging:	100 kW DC rapid charging (15%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 7.4 kW (0%-100%: 8 hrs)
Top Speed:	130 km/h
0-100 km/h:	11.5 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	100 kW
Horsepower (hp):	134
Torque (Nm):	260
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5 or 7
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	1,739
Colours:	7
NCAP Safety Rating:	Four-Star

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What Is A Heat Pump In Electric Cars?

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EV Heat Pump: The Basics
What is a heat pump in electric cars?	In conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), petrol and diesel vehicles, the energy (waste heat) generated from the engine (powertrain), is captured to re-use for heating the interior cabin of the vehicle. However, in pure electric cars, the heat generated (waste heat) from the electric drive (electric motor, inverter, on-board AC charger) and the onboard high-voltage EV battery is not as much, as the heat generated in conventional cars, and cannot be re-used on its own to provide sufficient cabin heating (electric cars are more efficient than petrol/ diesel cars). Therefore in EVs, the sources for capturing heat, also includes the outside air i.e. it is a multi-source heat pump system. This captured heat is re-used for the onboard EV battery management and also for heating the cabin interior, increasing the electric car efficiency and reducing the need to draw energy from the onboard EV battery. In general, a lithium-ion EV battery is less energy efficient during colder months (similar to the laptop or smartphone battery).
How does a heat pump increase electric range in colder winter months?	Electric cars that do not incorporate an onboard heat pump, rely on the energy of the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin of the electric car, further impacting the available e-range. In contrast, EVs with a heat pump, do not rely on the onboard EV battery to heat the cabin. Instead, the heat pump sources heat from multiple sources and releases energy-efficient heating into the cabin. Put another way, an electric car with a heat pump does not place any demand on the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin. There is ample real-world evidence to prove that electric cars with a heat pump offer longer electric range in winter months, compared to electric cars that do not incorporate a heat pump. The average improvement in range is between 10% to 20%.
How does a heat pump work in an electric car?	Step 1: naturally heated antifreeze is channelled into the heat pump evaporator, where the heat is transferred to the coolant circulating in the unit. The evaporator converts the coolant into gas (evaporation). Step 2: the gas is sucked into a compressor to increase the pressure of the gas. When air is compressed it increases its temperature. The gas temperature is increased to 80° C. Step 3: the compressed gas is transferred to a condenser, where the heat is transferred to water in the condenser. Step 4: the heat is then circulated to the interior cabin, while the gas is converted into liquid form, and is transferred back to the heat pump evaporator via an expansion valve. The cycle is then repeated.
Is a heat pump used only for heating?	No. A heat pump can also be used for cooling. As an example, the Audi Q7 EV uses the onboard heat pump for heating and cooling.
Does a heat pump come as standard in EVs?	Though some manufacturers offer the heat pump as standard, most offer it as an optional extra. We recommend purchasing the option.
Can a heat pump be installed in an electric car post delivery?	Usually it is not possible, given the complexity of installing a heat pump. So always order it at the time of purchase.
Are all heat pumps in electric cars the same?	No. There is a difference in technology, approach and efficiency achieved for different manufacturers. As an example, Hyundai and Kia claim to have one of the most efficient heat pumps, given the ability of their technology to dynamically choose the most appropriate heat source at a given moment. Hyundai claims the heat pump incorporated in the all-electric Hyundai Kona can improve the winter electric range up to 18%, significantly higher than the average improvement (10%).
Are there any other advantages offered by a heat pump in colder months?	Yes, you can pre-heat the electric vehicle (EV) via your mobile app before you commence your journey. This way you can have a toasty warm interior cabin on a cold winter day!

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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