Always at the forefront of innovation, Citroën marked the start of the energy transition in 2020 with the launch of the C4 electric compact sedan and the urban revolution of the Ami. In a context where CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards in Europe will impose stricter emission quotas from 2025, the brand is reinforcing its commitment to greener mobility.
In September 2023, Citroën introduced the simple hybrid engine on the C5 Aircross, with a 40% redesigned Puretech engine now equipped with a timing chain. This engine, combined with a new six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor with a peak power of 28 hp, allows short trips in 100% electric mode. This innovation, which combines fuel economy and smooth driving, is perfectly in line with Citroën's philosophy of comfort.
The new simple hybrid engine is available in two versions: 136 hp and a less powerful 100 hp version. The latter makes electrification more accessible without compromising driving comfort. After the C5 Aircross, Citroën has regularly introduced this engine across its entire range, starting with the C4 saloon, which receives the 100 and 136 hp versions, then the new C3 and C3 Aircross, which originally included the hybrid in their range, up to the large C5 X, which received this new hybrid engine at the beginning of July. This strategy allows the brand to diversify its offer and meet customer expectations in terms of sustainable mobility. The introduction of Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) hybrid engines is a response to environmental concerns and an opportunity for Citroën to capture a growing market that will represent almost 30% of sales in the European Union in the first half of 2024.
Comfort and economy: Citroën's winning formula
Faced with the pressure of emissions quotas imposed by the European Union and the threat of heavy fines for every gram of excess CO², Citroën is relying on innovation to avoid these penalties. The price of €95 per gram of excess CO² per car produced is forcing manufacturers to quickly develop less polluting engines or risk seeing the amount of fines explode. The introduction of simple hybrid engines at Citroën not only allows the company to reduce emissions and meet quotas, but above all to respond to growing consumer demand for greener vehicles. By entering this fast-growing market segment, Citroën is giving itself the means to follow the energy transition imposed by regulations, while at the same time attracting new customers.
Citroën's simple hybrid engines harmonise perfectly with the brand's quest for comfort and smooth driving. Thanks to these new engines, Citroën models, already renowned for their comfort, will be even more pleasant to drive. This attention to total comfort allows Citroën to stand out from the competition by offering a unique and complete driving experience. By offering thermal, simple hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric engines on a wide range of vehicles, Citroën offers its customers a diversified choice adapted to their specific needs. This approach not only strengthens the brand's presence on the market, but also ensures compliance with emission quotas and underlines Citroën's commitment to the energy transition. Above all, it also allows the brand to stand out in its new positioning, which is now in competition with Dacia, which does not offer electric cars with a long range; the Chevrolet brand thus ensures that it is the only brand to offer cars with several engines (thermal to electric) at accessible prices, as it recently demonstrated with the new C3 Aircross or the C3 Hybrid.
In conclusion, the introduction of MHEV hybrid engines puts Citroën in a strong position to meet environmental requirements and the expectations of consumers seeking comfort and sustainable mobility. This strategy, combined with a varied and adaptable range of engines, allows Citroën to maintain its position as a key player in the energy transition and to regain market share. By focusing on innovation and comfort, Citroën is once again demonstrating its ability to anticipate tomorrow's needs and offer mobility solutions that meet today's challenges.
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