Citroën C4 ranks in Top 10 for battery longevity, swedish study reveals

The adoption of electric vehicles is accelerating across the automotive market, yet a central question remains for many prospective and current owners: battery longevity. Unlike internal combustion engines, whose reliability has been proven over decades, modern electric cars are relatively new. The inevitable degradation of battery capacity over time and through charging cycles is a legitimate concern, directly impacting the vehicle's range and resale value. However, a large-scale Swedish study has just provided very positive and particularly reassuring answers. Conducted in a mature market, it demonstrates excellent overall battery durability and, notably for fans of the brand, it positions the Citroën ë-C4 among the market's top performers.

A comprehensive swedish study on battery health

To obtain reliable data on the long-term performance of electric vehicles, it is essential to look at markets where their adoption is already established and significant. This is the case in Sweden, one of Europe's most developed markets for electromobility. It is in this context that Kvdbil, one of Sweden's largest online marketplaces for used vehicles, conducted an in-depth study. Leveraging its position as a major player, Kvdbil has access to a considerable database, allowing it to analyze a large number of vehicles that have already seen several years of use.

The study examined a sample of 1,366 cars, including 723 all-electric models (BEVs) and 643 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). The objective was not to measure homologated range, but a much more revealing criterion: the "State of Health" (SOH) of the battery. This crucial indicator measures the difference between the battery's current capacity and its nominal capacity when it was new. In other words, it precisely quantifies its level of wear. The results proved to be surprisingly positive. Martin Reinholdsson, Head of Testing at Kvdbil, expressed his surprise: "We had already seen encouraging signs, but it is surprising that so many models performed so well." Indeed, the investigation revealed that eight out of ten cars still retained more than 90% of their original capacity, a score deemed excellent.

The Citroën ë-C4 and Stellantis expertise take center stage

The ranking published by Kvdbil details the Top 10 electric models exhibiting the best battery capacity retention. While the top spots are occupied by the Kia EV6 and Kia e-Niro, followed by the Tesla Model Y, the presence of two models from the Stellantis group is particularly noteworthy. The Opel Mokka-e climbs to an impressive fourth place, but it is the ninth-place ranking of the Citroën ë-C4 that catches our attention.

Why is this ninth place so significant? First, the Citroën ë-C4 is the one and only mainstream compact hatchback (C-segment) to feature in this ranking of excellence. It stands alongside SUVs (EV6, Model Y, Q4 e-tron, XC40, ID.4), a crossover (Mokka-e), a city car (Fiat 500e), and a unique concept (MX-30). This performance demonstrates that the C4's signature comfort and distinctive design are matched by top-tier electrical engineering, capable of competing with the very best in terms of durability.

Furthermore, this result is not an isolated one. The joint presence of the Opel Mokka-e and the Citroën ë-C4 highlights the quality of the technical platform on which they are both built: the e-CMP platform from the Stellantis group. This multi-energy architecture, which also underpins the Peugeot e-208, e-2008, and DS 3 E-Tense, proves its long-term efficiency and reliability here. It is a significant validation of the group's expertise in electrification, showing that its fundamental technological choices are not only high-performing at the time of purchase but also robust over time.

Key factors for preserving your battery

The Kvdbil study does more than just rank vehicles; it also serves as a reminder of the factors that influence battery wear. Unsurprisingly, the vehicle's age is the primary factor: the older a car is and the more cycles it has undergone, the more its capacity diminishes. However, Martin Reinholdsson emphasizes that this is normal wear and tear and not specific to any particular brand. Other elements such as climate (extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, accelerate degradation) and driving style also have a significant impact.

The study also provides practical advice for maximizing battery life, confirming recommendations well-known to EV drivers. The researchers point out that consistently charging the vehicle to more than 80% capacity can accelerate wear. For daily use, it is often advised to maintain a charge level between 20% and 80%, reserving a full charge for long journeys. Similarly, it is inadvisable to leave the car exposed to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods, whether scorching heat or freezing cold, when it can be avoided.

A major validation for the Citroën ë-C4

The results of this Swedish study are particularly interesting for several reasons. On one hand, they offer a tangible and reassuring answer to one of the main concerns associated with buying an electric vehicle: the battery holds up well, and indeed very well, for the vast majority of models. On the other hand, and this is excellent news for the brand, this independent study conducted in a demanding market validates the relevance and reliability of the Citroën ë-C4.

By placing itself in the Top 10 of the best-performing electric vehicles for capacity retention, the chevron-branded compact hatchback does more than just reassure. It asserts itself as one of the best options on the market for anyone seeking an electric vehicle that is not only comfortable and stylish but also built to last. For both current and future customers, this provides the assurance of stable energy performance over time and the preservation of their investment's value.