Citroen Berlingo EV Debuts At The Hanover Motor Show

ELECTRIC CITROËN BERLINGO UNVEILED AT THE HANOVER MOTOR SHOW, SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR ELECTRIC VANS
Citroën is unveiling its new Electric Berlingo at the Hanover Motor Show this month. This new, second-generation electric van reaffirms Citroën’s commitment to electric vehicles. The new Electric Berlingo features the latest electric vehicle technology, while retaining all the award-winning qualities of the current Berlingo range, such as load volumes of up to 4.1m3and a payload capacity of 675kg.
The Electric Berlingo builds upon decades of Citroën electric vehicle experience, including its first-generation Berlingo Electrique van, which was on sale in the UK until November 2005.
The latest Electric Berlingo is further proof of Citroën’s determination to further reduce the environmental impact of its advanced car and LCV ranges. The Citroën range already includes models featuring e-HDi micro-hybrid technology and Hybrid4 technology in DS5.
As well as meeting the need for significant load capacity, the Electric Berlingo also represents an opportunity for business users to project a positive image of their company and to advertise their desire to protect the environment.
Through innovative design, the various parts of the electric powertrain are contained under the bonnet or beneath other areas of the body shell. This means that the Electric Berlingo is not compromised in terms of load volume or carrying capacity.
The complete two-part battery pack is installed under the vehicle’s flat load deck, so that the load compartment is identical to the one found in the traditionally powered models. With a total battery capacity of 22.5kWh, the Electric Berlingo boasts a range of up to 106miles (170 km). The Electric Berlingo can be charged in two ways. The normal charge mode lasts between 6 and 12 hours, depending on the available current, while the batteries can be charged to 80% of their capacity in just 30 minutes in quick-charge mode.
The Electric Berlingo’s motor was developed with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and has a maximum power output of 49kW (67hp) and maximum torque of 200Nm. Its power is transmitted to the front wheels through a speed reducer and a single-ratio gearbox.
The Electric Berlingo’s many features include:
Eco-driving information, including an energy consumption/regeneration indicator, an instantaneous energy consumption gauge and an auxiliaries consumption gauge, which displays data on heating/air conditioning and other secondary power usage
A deceleration and braking energy recovery system
An electric heating system with an eco-mode to limit energy consumption
Hill start assist coupled to the ESP system
Depending on the market, the Electric Berlingo will be available with two bodywork options, normal and long, which respectively measure 4.38m and 4.63m. The load volume can reach 4.1m3and the maximum weight capacity is 675 kg, which are both identical to the internal combustion versions.
Scott Michael, Citroën’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Centre Programme, comments; “The launch of the new Electric Berlingo at Hanover is exciting news. When it goes on UK sale in the second half of 2013 it will further expand the appeal of Citroën’s advanced LCV range with business customers looking for innovative environmental transport solutions.”
UK specification and pricing will be announced closer to the launch.