Citroën Berlingo Electric van made UK debut at 2013 CV Show

Citroën Berlingo Electric has made its UK debut at the recent CV Show that took place from April 9-11, 2013. This vehicle is not just for the environmentally conscious green consumer, but has a wider appeal to any business looking for more economic sense in their van fleet options.

Citroën has many years experience with electric LCVs, beginning with the first generation Berlingo Electrique van launched in 1998. The Berlingo Electric has a total lithium ion battery capacity of 22.5kWh and since it was designed to be an electric vehicle from the outset, its load compartment space is not reduced by battery intrusion. The electric motor is positioned under the bonnet and the lithium-ion battery pack is located underneath the load deck: therefore the Berlingo Electric’s load compartment cube of 3.3m³ (extendable to 3.7m³)/load deck length of 1.8m (extendable to 3.0m) and payload of 636kg are equivalent to that of a similar diesel-powered Berlingo van.

Another bonus feature is that it can be fully charged in around 12 hours if using a domestic socket or only 35 minutes using a specific 380V three-phase terminal in quick-charge mode.

Citroën is also point out that they are launching a number of other new LCV products at the CV Show, including the Dispatch HDi 125 L1H1 1200 6-seat Crew Van and Stop & Start equipped Relay vans.  Citroën says it’s continuing their ‘Citroën Vans - Business Class’ theme.

Scott Michael, Citroën’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Centre Programme, comments: “Citroën is able to offer businesses the widest range of innovative environmental transport solutions thanks to its unique choice of LCV driveline and fuel choices, including petrol, HDi diesel, e-HDi micro-hybrid, bio diesel and full electric.”

The Berlingo Electric will be available later this year and pricing is said to start at £21,300 +VAT. Citroën have yet to release full specification and all pricing details, but promise to announce them nearer the sales date.