Citroën is preparing a 100% electric C1 available from €15,000

Ah, the Citroën C1, this little gem of the road, this stronghold of French city cars! Since 2005, it has attracted more than a million motorists, but now it is set to return from the dead under the label "100% electric" with an audacious promise: less than 15,000 euros. One could almost hear the bells ringing to welcome its triumphant return, if it weren't for wondering whether we are witnessing a remake of a science fiction movie where cars are both green and affordable.

Citroën and the revival of city cars

With competition intensifying, Citroën, a brand that has always had a flair for accessible models, wants to bring the C1 back to life. According to Citroën's CEO, Xavier Chardon, we are dealing with a genuine "shortage of affordable small cars" in Europe. To give some context, in 2019, there were still 49 models priced below 15,000 euros. Today? Just one. Yes, just one!

• + Offering an eco-friendly cheap car seems more complex than a magic trick.
• + The electric C1 stands out as a way to fill the gap left by the cessation of small car production.
• + Citroën's green ambition seems to be a response to consumer complaints for better access to electric vehicles.

A small electric MPV for everyone

Imagine a car 3.5 meters long, a small MPV that floats rather than races. In the world of automobiles, this idea could very well be the real breath of fresh air that the market so desperately needs. Taking inspiration from Japanese kei cars, the C1 could redefine the concept of the city car: practical, spacious, and perfect for outsmarting urban traffic jams.

• A modular interior for optimal comfort.
• The ability to occasionally head out of the city without being constrained by size.
• An aesthetic that could bring a smile while being functional.

The challenges to overcome for an electric city car

But how to make this electric car economically viable at less than 15,000 euros? That's a question that has generated a lot of ink. Stellantis executives advocate for a relaxation of European rules, proposing a new category of "small electric cars" or "e-cars". In everyday language, that means: "Let's forget about those incredibly strict standards for a moment!"

• Simplified production conditions for simple and light models.
• The possibility of creating cars surrounded by fewer gadgets that drive up the bill.
• An opportunity for Citroën and its rivals to play in the big league.

A return to the roots

Xavier Chardon draws a parallel between our time and the 1960s when icons like the 2CV and the Mini made their debut. These models had incredible accessibility, touching the hearts of city dwellers. An electric C1 could very well be the modern answer to a disillusioned consumer seeking to reconcile budget, sustainable mobility, and autonomy.

• 5 doors for greater practicality, allowing the family to board with minimal hassle.
• A minimalist aesthetic that captures the spirit of a bygone era while looking to the future.
• A certain nostalgia that no car enthusiast can ignore.

In the quest for accessibility to this city car, it's not just about technology but also about supply. Stellantis insists on a "minimum local content" to ensure the protection of European production. In other words, there is no question of driving an electric car where every piece has been assembled in Asia!

So, we can only hope that this 100% electric C1 does not turn into another promise without a future. Who knows, maybe the journey towards a more energy-efficient economy starts with a little Citroën that could finally be affordable. In the meantime, keep the icing on the cake: the C1 could return before Brussels decides to serve us a good coffee without bitterness.

To learn more about this ambitious project, one can read the precise analyses at this link or ponder the market for small electric cars with this fascinating article available here.

Source: www.automobile-propre.com

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