You Can Now Test Drive The Citroen eC3 Electric Hatchback Ahead Of Its Imminent Launch

• Citroen eC3 to come in two trims: Feel and Live. 
• Its 29.2kWh battery pack powers a 57PS electric motor.
• Hatch boasts an ARAI-claimed range of 320km.
• Features and styling almost as same as ICE-powered C3. 
• Price announcement imminent, expected to start around Rs 11 lakh.

The Citroen eC3 electric hatchback has reached dealerships ahead of its imminent launch in the country. And if you fancy taking the electric hatch for a spin, you’ll be happy to know that test drives are now underway. Pre-launch bookings for the electric hatchback, which comes in two trims – Feel and Live – like its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, have been open for some time. 

The main difference between the eC3 and the ICE C3 is obviously what’s powering the electric hatchback. A 57PS electric motor drives the front wheels and draws power from a 29.2kWh air-cooled battery pack. This setup is claimed to deliver an ARAI-approved range of 320km. And like any other mass market electric model, the hatch features fast-charging capability. 

While rival manufacturers take the effort to ensure their EVs have styling changes over their ICE counterparts, Citroen has kept things rather simple with the eC3. The easiest way to tell that this is the electric version of the C3 is to look out for white-coloured bits on the bumpers and along the car’s sides. Even on the inside, save for the gear selector toggle, things are exactly the same as the standard C3. 

In terms of features, the eC3 gets just the basics covered with its 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, manual AC, steering-mounted audio controls and remote locking. Passenger safety is taken care of by dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. 

Prices of the electric C3 are expected to start from around Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom). And once it goes on sale, the hatch will rival the Tata Tiago EV, while being an alternative to the Tigor EV.