The Citroen eC3 is one of the most affordable and practical electric cars available in the Indian market. With Citroen’s global reputation for unique design, ride comfort, and practicality, the eC3 attempts to blend the traditional charm of a hatchback with modern electric power. As the automotive world continues to shift toward electrification, Citroen’s decision to launch an electric version of the C3 is not just smart—it’s timely.
Table of Contents
1. Exterior Design: French Quirk with a Purpose
Citroen has always had a distinct approach to car design, and the Citroen eC3 is no exception. It shares most of its exterior with the petrol-powered C3, retaining the same SUV-inspired styling cues, including:
- Split headlamp design
- Muscular bonnet
- Bold grille with Citroen’s double-chevron logo
- Plastic body cladding for a rugged look
- High ground clearance (170mm)
- Dual-tone paint options
However, to differentiate it from the petrol model, the eC3 gets subtle electric touches such as:
- Charging port at the front fender
- “e” badge on the tailgate
- Electric blue accents (optional)
While the eC3 might not scream “EV,” its subtle design language will appeal to traditional buyers looking for an EV without compromising on familiar aesthetics.
2. Interior and Cabin Quality: Practical and Spacious
Step inside the Citroen eC3, and you’re greeted with a clean, functional dashboard layout. The design mimics the petrol C3 with some unique electric additions. The materials used are mostly hard plastics, but Citroen has smartly used textures and color to make the cabin feel lively.
Key interior highlights:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Digital instrument cluster displaying range, battery percentage, and speed
- Body-colored dashboard panel options
- Comfortable fabric seats
- Manual air conditioning
- Large windows offer excellent visibility
Space & Practicality:
The eC3 is one of the most spacious cars in its segment, thanks to its wide body and long wheelbase. Rear seat space is generous, and headroom is excellent.
Boot Space: 315 litres – enough for daily grocery runs or short weekend trips.
3. Battery and Range: Realistic and Reliable
Under the hood (or rather the floor), the Citroen eC3 is powered by a 29.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing a balance between range and affordability.
Battery Specifications:
- Battery Capacity: 29.2 kWh
- Claimed Range (ARAI): 320 km
- Real-World Range: 230–260 km (depending on driving style and AC usage)
- Charging Time (DC Fast Charger): 10% to 80% in ~57 minutes
- Charging Time (3.3 kW AC): 0-100% in ~10.5 hours
While the eC3 doesn’t offer a massive range like premium EVs, it offers more than enough for daily city commutes and even some intercity trips.
4. Performance and Driving Experience
The Citroen eC3 uses a single front-mounted electric motor delivering:
- Power: 57 PS (42 kW)
- Torque: 143 Nm
- Top Speed: 107 km/h
- 0-60 km/h: ~6.8 seconds
Though not a performance EV, the eC3 provides brisk acceleration at city speeds and feels zippy in traffic. The torque delivery is instant—like most EVs—which makes overtaking easy. However, on highways, you’ll notice a performance drop post 80 km/h.
Ride and Handling:
This is where Citroen shines. The eC3 offers a plush ride over potholes and broken roads, thanks to its:
- Long-travel suspension
- Well-tuned dampers
- Light steering (perfect for city use)
The car maintains its composure around corners and inspires confidence with its SUV-like driving position.
5. Features and Technology
The Citroen eC3 is available in two trims: Live and Feel. The higher-spec Feel variant offers the following features:
- 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity
- Four speakers
- Digital instrument display
- USB charging ports
- Keyless entry (in top variant)
- MyCitroen Connect app (remote monitoring, geo-fencing, battery status)
Safety Features:
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Speed alert system
- Seatbelt reminders
While the eC3 doesn’t offer features like cruise control, rear camera, or side airbags, it sticks to basics which is acceptable for the segment and price.
6. Charging Infrastructure and Usability
Citroen offers multiple charging options for the eC3:
Charging Options:
- Portable Charger (AC 3.3 kW): Can be used with standard home sockets
- Wallbox Charger: Optional at extra cost for faster home charging
- DC Fast Charging: Compatible with most public fast chargers across India
Public Charging:
The eC3 is compatible with Bharat DC-001 chargers and CCS2 connectors, making it future-proof for India’s evolving EV infrastructure.
Citroen also provides roadside assistance and mobile service vans in major cities to support EV buyers.
7. Price and Variants
Here’s the ex-showroom pricing for the Citroen eC3:
- Citroen eC3 Live Variant: ₹11.61 lakh (approx.)
- Citroen eC3 Feel Variant: ₹12.73 lakh (approx.)
- Citroen eC3 Feel Dual Tone with Vibe Pack: ₹12.94 lakh (approx.)
Running Cost:
The Citroen eC3 offers an impressively low running cost of around ₹0.90 per kilometre. This makes it a highly economical option compared to traditional petrol vehicles.
In addition, since the eC3 is an EV, there are significantly lower maintenance costs involved. No engine oil, no clutch replacements, and fewer moving parts contribute to overall long-term savings, making it a smart financial choice for daily commuters.
8. Competitor Comparison
Let’s see how the Citroen eC3 compares with other electric hatchbacks:
1. Tata Tiago EV
- Range: 250–315 km (depending on battery pack)
- Price: ₹8.69–11.99 lakh
- Pros: Better value, more features, established EV presence
- Cons: Less cabin space
2. MG Comet EV
- Range: 230 km
- Price: ₹6.99–9.98 lakh
- Pros: Ultra-compact, loaded with tech
- Cons: Very small size, limited practicality
3. Tata Tigor EV
- Range: 315 km
- Price: ₹12.49–13.75 lakh
- Pros: Sedan boot, government fleet credibility
- Cons: Slightly outdated design
Verdict:
The Citroen eC3 strikes a balance between the Tata Tiago EV’s value and the Tigor’s range. It offers more cabin space and a better ride than both, making it an ideal urban family EV.
9. Ownership Experience and After-Sales
Citroen is a relatively new brand in India but is rapidly expanding its dealership and service network. The company is providing:
- 3 years/1,25,000 km standard warranty
- 7 years/1,40,000 km battery warranty
- 5 years/1,00,000 km motor warranty
Citroen’s “La Maison” dealership concept offers a premium purchase experience with digital configurators and dedicated EV staff.
The service cost for EVs like the eC3 is significantly lower, and the brand offers annual checkups, pickup/drop, and mobile servicing in key cities.
10. Pros and Cons of Citroen eC3
Pros:
- Affordable pricing for its size
- Spacious and practical interior
- Comfortable ride quality
- Decent real-world range
- Stylish French design
- Low running and maintenance cost
Cons:
- Misses out on fast features like rear camera, alloy wheels
- Limited dealership network (currently)
- DC fast charging not as quick as some rivals
- Slight underpowered for highways
Conclusion: Who Should Buy the Citroen eC3?
The Citroen eC3 is an ideal electric hatchback for city dwellers, small families, and environmentally conscious buyers who want a spacious, practical, and low-maintenance EV.
If you value comfort, cabin space, and unique design more than outright performance or fancy tech, the eC3 will not disappoint.
Final Verdict
With the Citroen eC3, the brand has taken a mature, practical approach to electric mobility in India. Rather than overloading the car with features, they focused on essentials like space, ride quality, and range—things that truly matter in everyday driving.
While it may not have the marketing might of Tata or MG, the eC3 is a hidden gem in the Indian EV market.
If you’re in the market for your first electric car under ₹13 lakh, the Citroen eC3 deserves a serious look.