Citroën C3: the electric version is now officially cheaper than gas!

This is news that is likely to mark a turning point in the history of the mainstream automobile. True to its DNA, Citroën has always aimed to make mobility accessible to the many. With the fourth generation of the C3, the brand had already made a significant impact by promising a European-built electric car at a competitive price. Today, I can confirm that Citroën is taking it a step further by adding an "Urban Range" version to the ë-C3 lineup. With a driving range of approximately 200 kilometers (about 124 miles), it is designed for daily commutes, but its biggest surprise lies in its price. After local incentives are applied, this new ë-C3 is available at a price point lower than its gasoline-powered equivalent.

An ë-C3 tailored for daily life, now more accessible than ever

A promise delivered! When Citroën unveiled its new C3, it announced an entry-level electric version targeting a very aggressive price point. This is now a reality with the arrival of this ë-C3 "Urban Range." Designed to be the ideal companion for daily trips in and around the city, it features a 30 kWh LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) battery pack. This provides a range of up to 200 kilometers on the WLTP combined cycle, a distance more than sufficient to cover the daily needs of the vast majority of drivers. Citroën even reports a potential range of up to 300 kilometers (around 186 miles) in purely urban driving conditions, where deceleration and braking phases help regenerate the battery. Powering this city car is the 113 hp (83 kW) electric motor, which ensures a lively, silent, and exceptionally smooth driving experience, perfectly suited for the urban ecosystem. Manufactured in Europe at the Trnava plant in Slovakia, this ë-C3 stands as a truly relevant mobility solution. Available from the "YOU" trim level, it retains the key strengths of this new generation, including a generous interior space and, most importantly, the standard-fit Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspensions, a guarantee of well-being that I no longer need to introduce.

Electric cheaper than gasoline: a market first

This is where Citroën achieves what many thought was still years away. In France, thanks to a national incentive mechanism known as CEE (Energy Saving Certificates), a substantial premium can be deducted from the purchase price. This brings the price of the new Citroën ë-C3 "Urban Range" down to an astonishing €15,750. This figure is not trivial: for the first time so clearly in the new car market, an electric version has become more financially accessible than its gasoline counterpart with equivalent features. This sends an extremely powerful signal to consumers. Even though this price is achieved after incentives, the ability to purchase a new, European-made electric car for an amount that directly competes with gasoline versions is an event rare enough to be highlighted. This pricing performance allows the ë-C3 to fit perfectly into the brand's electric lineup, positioned between the Ami micro-mobility solution and the ë-C3 equipped with the larger 40 kWh battery and 320 km range, which is designed for greater versatility. For those who occasionally undertake longer journeys, an optional DC fast-charging capability of up to 30 kW is available, allowing drivers to manage their budget while ensuring peace of mind.

With the initial launch of the ë-C3, Citroën had already fulfilled its promise of making the electric car finally accessible. By unveiling this "Urban Range" version today, the brand with the chevrons is not just confirming its commitment; it is surpassing it. Offering an electric car whose acquisition cost, including incentives, is lower than that of the equivalent gasoline model is not merely a commercial feat—it is a true statement of intent. It demonstrates a keen understanding of motorists' expectations and the challenges of the energy transition. By democratizing electric technology in this way, Citroën proves, once again in its rich history, that it remains a pioneering, bold, and deeply committed brand to the idea of an intelligent, comfortable, and truly popular automobile.