Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV SUV
Citroën is a leading French automobile manufacturer, now owned by Netherlands based Stellantis N.V., which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Italian/ American) and Groupe PSA (French). Stellantis owns a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of leading automotive brands, to include, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Jeep, FIAT, Alfa Romeo etc. Previously, Peugeot owned a 89.95% stake in the company. The Citroen electric vehicle (EV) portfolio includes both, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models:
- Citroen C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid
- All-electric Citroen ë-C3
- All-electric Citroen ë-C4
- All-electric Citroen ë-C4 X
- All-electric Citroen ë-Berlingo
- All-electric Citroen ë-Spacetourer
- Citroën C5 X Plug-In Hybrid
- All-electric Citroen Ami
The Citroen C5 Aircross SUV has been manufactured since 2017. The concept Aircross vehicle was unveiled at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show. Sales in Europe commenced in 2018. The Citroën C5 Aircross is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
The distinctive exterior styled C5 Aircross PHEV SUV is worth consideration for those individuals, families and corporate drivers keen on a spacious plug-in electric SUV, but at more affordable prices. As is the case for electric driving, there is significant room for financial savings when driven on e-mode.
Driving on electric mode will cost between 5 and 10 cents per km, significantly lower compared to using a petrol or diesel combustion engine. Moreover, taking advantage of the electric hybrid drivetrain, powered by the onboard EV battery, will improve the fuel economy of the electric vehicle.
Citroen claims that the C5 Aircross PHEV has a fuel economy up to 1.8 l/100 km, considerably better than the equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) variant. Of course, if the PHEV is driven primarily on the combustion engine, expect the fuel economy to be less efficient.
The C5 plug-in hybrid SUV has a 13.2 kWh onboard EV battery, with a WLTP certified electric range up to 55 km. Both the size of the EV battery and the claimed range, is what we have now come to expect of most PHEVs currently available in the market. Though an electric range up to 55 km may not seem a lot, the reality is that the majority of daily commutes are shorter commutes.
Even taking into account factors that will reduce the claimed electric driving range, the PHEV should be able to delivery close to 50 km on a fully charged EV battery i.e. more than sufficient for most driving needs. Of course, the key is to keep the EV battery charged and adopting a good habit of ‘topping up’ on a regular basis, will be imperative in taking advantage of all that the electric drivetrain has to offer!
Another way to improve the efficiency of an EV is to take advantage of the regenerative braking profiles on offer. Getting used to regen braking does not take time!
The Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV combines the 1.6-litre (4 cylinder) PureTech 180 petrol combustion engine with an electric motor (80 kW). The performance of the electric vehicle (EV) is not going to help you win the Formula 1, but is adequate for the affordable price tag.
The front-wheel drive Aircross plug-in hybrid can achieve 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. Total available power is 225 HP and 250 Nm torque. Top speed is 195 km/h. The electric car has three driving modes: electric, hybrid and sport. The higher performance sport mode will most impact the EV range!
In terms of practicality, the plug-in hybrid SUV has much to offer. The EV is spacious for adults seated in the front and rear (ample headroom and legroom). The visibility from the driver seat is good and despite the placement of the EV battery, the boot space is 460 L. The interior quality and specification is adequate and reflects the retail price of the vehicle.
The C5 PHEV has a claimed 32g CO2/km tailpipe emissions. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
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A practical and spacious electric vehicle for families | Not available as a four-wheel drive |
A relatively affordable plug-in hybrid. Cheap to drive on pure electric mode | Not as efficient as some of the more recent PHEVs |
Ample boot space | 11 kW on board charger not a standard option |
The Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV SUV (credit: Citroen)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
Body Type: | SUV |
Engine: | Petrol/ Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (2 Options) |
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Citroen C5 Aircross Flair (from € 48,500) |
Citroen C5 Aircross C-Series Edition (from € 50,800) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 13.2 kWh |
Charging: | Onboard charger: 7 kW Standard/ 11 kW AC available as an option |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 32g (CO2/km) |
Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | € 2.10 |
Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | € 2.78 |
Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | € 2.87 |
Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | € 3.14 |
Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | € 3.37 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
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Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
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Height (mm): | 1670 |
Width (mm): | 1859 |
Length (mm): | 4500 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2730 |
Turning Circle (m): | 10.7 |
Boot Space (L): | 460 |
C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid | |
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EV Battery Capacity: | 13.2 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 55 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 15.7 |
Fuel Consumption (l/100 km): | 1.8 – 1.3 |
Charging: | On board charger: 7 kW Standard/ 11 kW AC available as an option |
Top Speed: | 195 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 8.7 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 80 (electric) |
Horsepower (hp): | 180 (225 combined) |
Torque (Nm): | 250 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Minimum Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,770 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Four-Star |
Air Quality: An Overview
If there is one common theme that unites many of us, it is the concern over worsening air quality in our villages, towns and cities. This concern is not unique to Ireland, but a narrative that is now firmly centre stage globally. The detrimental health consequences of higher pollution, in particular, on the vulnerable, like children and the elderly is significant, and well documented.
According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), the PM2.5 concentration in Ireland is currently 1.6 times higher than the WHO annual air quality guideline value. WHO has described air pollution as the ‘single biggest environmental health risk’, leading to an increase in the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
Electric vehicles and in particular, zero-tailpipe emission EVs, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), help improve local air quality i.e. a pure electric car does not have a tailpipe/ exhaust, hence, zero-tailpipe emissions! Without an iota of doubt, all types of EVs, to include, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are better for improving air quality, compared to conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. We encourage all drivers in Ireland to migrate to lower emission electric driving.
Type Of Pollutants |
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Particulate matter (PM or PM 2.5) |
Ammonia (NH3) |
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) |
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) |
Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCS) |
Primary Sources Of Pollutants |
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Road transportation |
Industrial processes |
Farming and agricultural processes |
Waste industry |
Energy generation |
Domestic burning |
Other forms of transportation, such as aviation, shipping and railroads |
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