This month sees Citroen increase the appeal of its compact van, the Berlingo, with the launch of the e-Berlingo Van Electric. The Berlingo was the UK’s best selling compact van in 2021, and the French firm is expecting the electric-powered e-Berlingo to increase the appeal of the brand to SMEs and owner-operators.
Citroen e-Berlingo: Power and Charging
The e-Berlingo features a 50kWh battery connected to a 136hp electric motor, with up to 260Nm of torque. From a single charge, the e-Berlingo has an expected range of up to 171 miles under official WLTP testing, although real-world use will vary depending on conditions and loads.
Every model connects to a charger at home or work, which usually charge at a rate of 7kW. That means an overnight charge will see you good for the next day, but rapid charging when out and about is available; able to plug into 100kW charging units, the e-Berlingo can go from empty to 80% charge in just half an hour, which is enough for another 136 miles of motoring.
Three driving modes can help to extend your range limits. The Normal driving mode is supplemented by an Eco mode that reduces power from the motor and limits energy use of ancillaries such as the air conditioning system. Power mode predictably unleashes all of the 260Nm of torque from the motor for more rapid progress, at the expense of battery power.
All models feature regenerative braking, which drivers can activate via the central console to maximise energy recovery during braking.
Citroen e-Berlingo: Payload and Towing
Available as a traditional panel van or a five-seater crew cab, the e-Berlingo is available in two lengths. The short wheelbase model labelled as ‘M’ has a cargo volume of 3.3m3, extending to 3.9m3 if the Extenso seat package is utilised. This system allows the passenger seat to be folded down, with a hatch in the bulkhead providing extra space for long loads. You’ll be able to fit a load of up to 1,817mm long in the M panel van, extending to 3,090mm with the hatch open.
The longer XL version offers the same Extenso seat capability, with load lengths of 2,167mm extending to 3,440mm, while the cargo volume runs from 3.8m3 to 4.4m3.
Impressively, capacity is unchanged from the regular petrol or diesel-powered models, despite Citroen having to find space for the 50kWh battery pack. That’s stored underneath the floor of the van, leaving the dimensions of the load area undiminished.
However, with that heavy battery pack to accommodate, ultimate payload capacity is reduced slightly from the regular Berlingo, with the e-Berlingo M maxing out at 803kg, while the longer XL reaches a 751kg maximum. All versions are rated to tow 750kg.
Citroen e-Berlingo: Trim Levels
Citroen is offering the e-Berlingo in just two trim levels; Enterprise Pro and Driver Pro.
The Enterprise Pro model is available across all configurations and comes with air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, electric folding door mirrors and automatic headlights as standard.
An 8.0-inch infotainment screen is also included, which provides the DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity you would expect. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring are present.
The Driver Pro trim level is only available on the M panel van model. This higher specification variant adds the Citroen Advanced Comfort seat and extra noise insulation for a more refined experience. The infotainment system is upgraded to a 10.0-inch model with navigation and live traffic updates. Front parking sensors and rear- and side-cameras are included for extra safety, too.
All panel van models also include the practical Extenso seating system, which includes a helpful fold-out desk as well as increasing load capacity.
Citroen e-Berlingo: Pricing and Availability
The Citroen e-Berlingo Van Electric is available now, with prices starting at £24,910 for the Panel Van M Enterprise Pro, after the government’s plug-in van grant is deducted, but before VAT. The range rises to £27,260 for the Crew Van XL Enterprise Pro.
| Body | Trim | Length | Price | VAT | OTR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Van | Enterprise Pro | M | £27,910 | £5,582 | £34,302 |
| Enterprise Pro | XL | £29,110 | £5,822 | £35,742 | |
| Driver Pro | M | £29,525 | £5,905 | £36,240 | |
| Crew Van | Enterprise Pro | XL | £30,260 | £6,052 | £37,122 |
As with every other Citroen commercial vehicle, it’s backed by a three-year or 100,000-mile warranty. The battery pack is covered by an extended package, with eight years of security, although still limited to 100,000 miles.
Every e-Berlingo is currently exempt from all Congestion and Clean Air Zone
charges in the UK, which will help to keep running costs down, whatever the configuration.
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