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 All-Electric Citroën ë-C4 X Saloon
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
Looks familiar? Of course, it does. The front of the all-electric Citroen ë-C4 X is similar to the all-electric five-door ë-C4 hatchback! According to Citroën, the ë-C4 X ‘combines the elegant silhouette of a fastback with a modern look of a SUV’.
Bottom-line, it is a five-seat, four-door saloon. In terms of length, the ë-C4 X (4600mm) fits between the ë-C4 (4360mm) and the C5 X (4805mm). The ë-C4 X and the ë-C4 have the same wheelbase (2670mm), as both electric cars are built on the Common Modular Platform (CMP). The ë-C4 X was revealed in June 2022.
The commonality with the ë-C4 e-hatchback does not stop at the exterior. In fact, both electric cars have the same onboard EV battery size (50 kWh) and offer a 7.4 kW AC (single-phase) onboard charger as standard, with an option to upgrade to a 11 kW AC (three-phase) onboard charger.
No need to upgrade, if the majority of the charging is done at home, as most homes in Ireland are supplied with single-phase power supply. Using a dedicated residential EV charger, the EV can be fully charged in 7 hours 30 minutes. At three-phase 11 KW EV charging, the e-car can be fully charged in 5 hours.
We at e-zoomed encourage EV owners to install an on-site renewable energy generation system (solar or wind), coupled with battery storage. This way, the true benefits of driving an electric car can be leveraged to its full extent, to include zero-tailpipe emissions and financial savings.
The ë-C4 X saloon has a claimed electric range up to 357 km (WLTP) on single charge. Not a significant difference compared to the ë-C4 hatchback (350 km), despite the more aggressive sloping roofline of the e-saloon. The EV has an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd.
In any case, for most families, the pure electric ë-C4 X has ample real-world range for day-to-day needs. Of course, the electric vehicle (EV) can also be used for motorway journeys. Expect a real-world emission-free range closer to 300 km. The EV does incorporate regenerative braking and an onboard heat pump (as standard), to further enhance the efficiency of the vehicle. The EV has three driving modes: Eco, Normal or Sport, which can be activated by the mode selector in the centre console. To increase the e-range, the Eco mode will be the best choice.
The electric saloon offers DC charging up to 100 kW DC. Not class-leading, but it does get the job done. At 100 kW DC rapid charging, the EV can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes. Put another way, you can add 100 km in 10 minutes.
In terms of performance, this family electric car, will not get you to pole position at the Grand Prix, but again, you would not expect that from a family saloon. The front-wheel drive ë-C4 X can achieve 0-100 km/h in 10 seconds (sport mode). The EV offers 260 Nm immediate torque (136 HP). The top speed of the electric car is 150 km/h.
Though the Citroen ë-C4 X has yet to complete its Euro NCAP rating, we expect it to be similar to the four-star NCAP rating achieved by the ë-C4 e-hatchback. The ë-C4 X has a host of driver aids and safety features, to include: 360 Vision, blind spot monitoring system, reversing camera, active safety brake, active lane departure warning system, extended traffic sign recognition and speed recommendation, coffee break alert and more! Other onboard technology includes: 5.5″ driver’s instrument cluster, 10″ touchscreen, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto.
In terms of practicality, the boot is a decent size (510 L), though the opening of the boot does reduce its practicality. This may not seem significant, but consumers have benefited from the larger rear openings afforded by hatchbacks and SUVs i.e. five-doors are preferred to four-doors. Having said that, the ë-C4 hatchback has a much smaller boot (380 L) compared to the ë-C4 X saloon. The EV does not have a frunk and the EV cable can be stored under the boot floor.
Interior legroom is ample, even for taller adults. However, the sloping roofline (fastback) does impact the the headroom for taller adults seated on the rear seats. It also impacts the rear-view visibility. But where the e-saloon scores well, is in terms of cabin comfort, a key theme in Citroën’s proposition. On offer is the Advanced Comfort seats with a 15mm structured foam. The seats in the ë-C4 X recline more than the e-hatchback!
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
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An affordable electric saloon | Electric range is not class-leading |
Exceptionally comfortable interior | Rear boot opening not as practical as hatchback |
Heat pump as standard | Exterior styling unconventional |
The All-Electric Citroen ë-C4 X Saloon (credit: Citroen)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Saloon |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (4 Options) |
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Citroen ë-C4 X Feel (from € 41,455) |
Citroen ë-C4 X Feel Pack (from € 42,550) |
Citroen ë-C4 X Flair (from € 43,507) |
Citroen ë-C4 X Flair Pack (from € 45,160) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 50 kWh |
Charging: | 100 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 7.4 kW Standard (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins)/ 11kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
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Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- 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) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
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Height (mm): | 1525 |
Width (mm): | 1834 |
Length (mm): | 4600 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2670 |
Turning Circle (m): | 10.9 |
Boot Space (L): | 510 |
ē-C4 X | |
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EV Battery Capacity: | 50 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 353 – 357 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 15.2 – 15.3 |
Charging: | 100 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 7.4 kW Standard (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins)/ 11kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 150 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 10 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 100 |
Horsepower (hp): | 136 |
Torque (Nm): | 260 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 4 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 1,621 |
Colours: | 6 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Buying EV Cables: Top 3 Tips
When it comes to electric car charging cables, an astute electric car owner will focus on quality and performance over cheapest price. We at e-zoomed have an excellent range of high quality and high performance electric car charging cables, all priced very competitively! At e-zoomed we offer charging cables from 2m to 50m for single-phase and three-phase EV charging cables as standard.
EV Cables: Top 3 Tips | |
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Never buy cheap: | Not all EV charging cables are the same. It is simply false economy to try and save a few Euro’s on buying a cheaper cable, when in all probability the EV you own is worth over € 30,000! Nor are we suggesting you buy the most expensive. There is always a balance between price and quality, and electric car charging cables are no different. The last thing you need is to have the EV charging cable stop working when you most need it. EV cables on the e-zoomed Electric Living Shop are made from TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), a higher quality material that is extremely flexible, durable and smooth to touch. |
The shortest length is never the best choice: | A number of customers seek the shortest length (2m EV charging cable) because it is the cheapest. However a 2m EV cable is limited in practicality and usually not a good long-term investment. Most charging destinations (home or public) require an EV charging cable that is longer than 2m. In our experience, most customers buy EV charging cables between 5m and 25m. We recommend at least a 5m charging cable. It is long enough to meet most charging needs, but compact enough to be carried and put away easily! Of course, a number of customers need even longer EV cables. |
A lower technical specification EV charging cable Is never the best choice: | As above, a number of electric car owners seek to buy a 16 amp (single-phase) EV charging cable, instead of a 32 amp (single-phase) EV charging cable. The reason is simple. The 16 amp is marginally cheaper! However, a 16 amp charging cable charges at 3.6kW, a much slower rate to a 32 amp EV charging cable that charges at 7.2 kW. An ampere is the unit for measuring electricity. The accepted standard unit used for measuring how fast an electric current flows is an example of an ampere. The reason why customers in Ireland buy a single-phase EV cable, is because most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply. Also important to asses is the IP Rating for the EV cable. Not all EV cables have the same IP Rating. Of course, warranty is also important. Most EV cables are sold with a warranty of at least 2 years! |
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