Citroën ë-C3 at €8,900: how Italy is kicking off an electric vehicle revolution

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles still faces a significant hurdle: their purchase price. For many households, making the switch to zero-emission mobility remains a substantial investment, often dependent on government incentives. It is within this landscape that Citroën, true to its reputation as a popular and innovative brand, is making a brilliant move. In Italy, thanks to a particularly generous government support scheme, the French automaker is able to offer spectacular prices, including its new Citroën ë-C3 for an entry price of just €8,900. This is an offer that could very well accelerate the energy transition across the country.

Italy's government incentives: a powerful driver for electric mobility

To understand how such pricing is possible, one must look at the incentive policies implemented by the Italian government. The state has rolled out an ambitious aid program to stimulate the purchase of clean vehicles, particularly for lower-income households. These subsidies are subject to several specific criteria, creating a powerful leveraging effect for manufacturers like Citroën that already offer competitively priced vehicles.

The maximum bonus, which can reach €11,000, is available to individuals living in a designated "functional urban area" with an annual household economic indicator (known as ISEE) below €30,000. To qualify, the buyer must also scrap an older combustion engine vehicle (up to the Euro 5 standard) that they have owned for at least six months. For households with an ISEE between €30,001 and €40,000, the grant amounts to €9,000. It is the synergy between these government bonuses and Citroën's own aggressive commercial strategy that allows the ë-C3 and the new ë-C3 Aircross to be offered at prices that once seemed unattainable, making electric driving more accessible than ever for Italian consumers.

Citroën ë-C3 and ë-C3 Aircross: aggressive pricing to democratize electric driving

Citroën's offer in Italy is a true show of force. The headline price of €8,900 for the new ë-C3 is not for a limited-range version, but for the YOU trim level equipped with the 44 kWh battery. This model provides a "comfort" range of up to 320 km (approx. 200 miles) on the WLTP combined cycle (and up to 440 km in a purely urban cycle), making it perfectly versatile for daily commutes and longer journeys. It is powered by a 113 hp motor and features fast-charging technology that can replenish 80% of the battery in just 26 minutes.

The range is designed to meet all needs, with pricing that remains incredibly competitive after applying the maximum government incentives:

• Citroën ë-C3 YOU: €8,900

• Citroën ë-C3 PLUS: €9,900

• Citroën ë-C3 MAX: €10,900

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The offensive doesn't stop with the hatchback. The new ë-C3 Aircross SUV, notable for its ability to seat up to seven passengers within a compact 4.39-meter frame, also becomes extremely affordable. Its starting price is set at €11,900, an unprecedented figure for a family-sized electric SUV.

• Citroën ë-C3 Aircross YOU / PLUS: €11,900

• Citroën ë-C3 Aircross MAX: €12,900

To build trust with new EV buyers, Citroën is backing this pricing strategy with its "Citroën We Care" program, which offers an eight-year/160,000 km warranty—a powerful statement to ensure peace of mind for drivers making the switch to electric.

Citroën's initiative in Italy, supported by a proactive government policy, proves that affordable electric mobility is no longer a distant dream. By making its flagship models accessible to a wider audience, the French brand is not just participating in the energy transition; it is becoming a major catalyst. This strategy is all the more impressive as competition mounts. Renault Italy recently opened orders for its upcoming electric Twingo, set to be officially unveiled in November, with a starting price of €9,900. This price is higher than that of the Citroën ë-C3, which offers more space and a greater range for less money. With this move, Citroën is positioning itself not just as an accessible brand, but as the clear leader in value for money in today's electric vehicle market.i.