Electric Cars: The Basics
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-Spacetourer Electric MPV
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:
- Citroen C5 Aircross plug-in hybrid SUV
- Citroen C5 X plug-in hybrid SUV
- Citroen E-C4 electric hatchback
- Citroen ë-C4 X electric saloon
- Citroen E-Berlingo electric
- Citroen E-Spacetourer electric
- Citroen AMI electric
The internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger Spacetourer was launched in 2015. The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is now in its third generation. The pure electricë-Spacetourer was launched in 2020.
The electric MPV, is one of the very few options available for larger families seeking to migrate to an affordable electric vehicle (EV) capable of carrying up to 9 passengers. The e-MPV is available in two sizes: the M version (4.95m) and the XL version (5.3m). The MPV has three passenger rows seating 8, with the option of an additional seat in the front row.
There is no doubt, in that, the passenger e-van is perfect for larger families seeking practicality and affordability. 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.
However, given the size of the tailgate, its operation can be restricted in smaller parking spaces. The M version offers a 507 L boot. By folding the passenger seats, the cargo volume available is an impressive 4554 L in the XL version.
The electric vehicle (EV) has a 50 kWh EV battery with a zero-tailpipe emission electric range of 219 km (WLTP test cycle). A pity, in that, the e-MPV is only available in one battery size, given the size of the vehicle. An EV battery closer to 100 kWh could enhance significantly the proposition of the electric vehicle. Of course, the real-world e-range will be lower than the claimed figures. Expect a range up to 185 km. A useful range, but not exceptional.
The pure electric van can be charged up to 100 kW DC charging i.e. up to 80% charge in 30 minutes. Certainly helpful for longer motorway driving. For home charging using a dedicated 7 kW EV charger like the Easee EV charger, a full charge will take up to 7.5 hours. The EV has a 7 kW onboard charger.
We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight, when the electricity rates are lower. We also recommend topping up on a regular basis. This way, the EV will take less time to charge. Moreover, regular EV charging is better for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Citroën offers up to 8 years or 160,000 km warranty for the battery (70% charge capacity).
Given the weight of the vehicle (1,969 kg), to include the onboard EV battery, the performance of the ë-Spacetourer will not get you to the pole position on the grid. The front-wheel drive electric van can achieve 0-100 km/h in 12.1 seconds (max power: 136 hp). The top speed of the EV is 130 km/h. The e-van has 3 driving modes: normal mode, eco mode and power mode. The eco mode optimises electricity consumption.
The e-MPV is equipped with a 7″ display (Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto), 15 driving assistance systems: head-up display, intelligent beam headlights, driver attention alert, keyless entry/start, 180-degree colour reversing camera, park assist, trailer stability control, coffee break alert and more. The EV also has connectivity technologies Connect Assist, Connect NAV and Connect Play.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Citroën ë-Spacetourer is not available in India.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Very practical for large families with up to 9 seats (3-rows) | Only available in a 50 kWh EV battery option with limited EV range |
One of the few affordable zero-tailpipe emission 9 seater MPVs | Infotainment system very basic |
100 kW DC charging | Tailgate operation restrictive in tight parking spaces |
The All-Electric Citroën ë-Spacetourer MPV (credit: Citroen)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | MPV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In India: | No |
Variants (2 Options) |
---|
Citroën ë-Spacetourer M |
Citroën ë-Spacetourer XL |
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 kW (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
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
Dimensions (ë-Spacetourer M) | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1890 |
Width (mm): | 1920 |
Length (mm): | 4956 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 3275 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.5 |
Boot Space (L): | 507 |
ë-Spacetourer M | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 50 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 219 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 204 |
Charging: | 100 kW DC rapid charging (15%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 7 kW (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
Top Speed: | 130 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 12.1 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 100 |
Horsepower (hp): | 136 |
Torque (Nm): | 260 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | Up to 9 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 1,969 |
Colours: | 4 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
BEVs Vs PHEVs: Which Is Better?
Both, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have significant advantages over conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles. However, when BEVs and PHEVs are compared together, the narrative is not as black & white. Both types of electric vehicles (EVs) have pros and cons, and depending on the buyer circumstances, one type of EV will be more appropriate.
Plug-in hybrid electric cars have played an important role in encouraging drivers to migrate to electric driving. ‘Familiarity’ and ‘range security’ offered by plug-in hybrid vehicles, have been key attributes in propelling buyers to migrate to electric driving. A PHEV in many respects is very similar to driving a conventional petrol/ diesel car, except for the introduction of an electric mode, regenerative braking and EV charging.
As an example, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Plug-In Hybrid SUV, uses both, a petrol engine and an electric motor to propel the vehicle. The electric motor is driven by an onboard EV battery, which is charged via an external EV charging station. For those keen on ‘familiarity’, a PHEV, despite the addition of an electric motor, is very similar to driving a conventional petrol or diesel car.
The other impediment to migrating to EVs is range anxiety. In a PHEV there is no fear about an ’empty’ EV battery, as the vehicle can still be driven on the internal combustion engine (ICE). Bottom-line, for those in India keen to use an EV, but lack EV charging infrastructure and need to travel long distances on a regular basis, a plug-in hybrid electric car is more appropriate than a BEV.
Pure electric cars (BEVs) have come a long way over the past decade, since the introduction of the all-electric Nissan Leaf in 2010. In particular, in regards to increased EV range. Pure electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 can offer a range up to 360 miles (the first generation Leaf offered a range up to 73 miles).
The Model 3 is not the only EV that can offer a long electric range. In fact, many of the recent EVs introduced have a range well over 200 miles on a full battery charge. This significant improvement in electric range has helped reduce the concern over range anxiety, enabling greater confidence in EVs.
Unlike PHEVs, pure electric cars are zero-tailpipe emission i.e. a BEV does not have a tailpipe and therefore does not pollute the air! The improvement in air quality, is one of the key advantages of choosing a BEV over a PHEV. The other key advantage is that a BEV is cheaper to drive and maintain, compared to a PHEV.
This should come as no surprise as a BEV has only an electric motor/s, while a PHEV has an internal combustion engine, coupled with an electric motor. Put another way, a plug-in hybrid EV has many more moving parts and therefore more to maintain and repair overtime!
BEVs are well suited for businesses and families keen to improve local air quality and reduce the cost of driving. Of course, access to dedicated EV charging infrastructure at home and on the road is a prerequisite to owning a BEV!
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