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 Citroën ë-Spacetourer MPV
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 internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger Spacetourer was launched in 2015. The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is now in its third generation. The pure electricë-Spacetourer was launched in 2020.
The electric MPV, is one of the very few options available for larger families seeking to migrate to an affordable electric vehicle (EV) capable of carrying up to 9 passengers. In Ireland, the e-MPV is available in two sizes: the M version (4.95m) and the XL version (5.3m). The MPV has three passenger rows seating 8, with the option of an additional seat in the front row.
There is no doubt, in that, the passenger e-van is perfect for larger families seeking practicality and affordability. The plug-in electric passenger van also offers easy access to the rear passenger seats, given the sliding doors, perfect for carparks with tight spaces.
However, given the size of the tailgate, its operation can be restricted in smaller parking spaces. The M version offers a 507 L boot. By folding the passenger seats, the cargo volume available is an impressive 4554 L in the XL version.
The electric vehicle (EV) has a 50 kWh EV battery with a zero-tailpipe emission electric range of 240 km (WLTP test cycle). A pity, in that, the e-MPV is only available in one battery size, given the size of the vehicle. An EV battery closer to 100 kWh could enhance significantly the proposition of the electric vehicle. Of course, the real-world e-range will be lower than the claimed figures. Expect a range up to 200 km. A useful range, but not exceptional.
The pure electric van can be charged up to 100 kW DC charging i.e. up to 80% charge in 30 minutes. Certainly helpful for longer motorway driving. For home charging using a dedicated 7 kW EV charger like the myenergi zappi EV charger, a full charge will take up to 7.5 hours. The EV has a 7 kW onboard charger.
We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight, when the electricity rates are lower. We also recommend topping up on a regular basis. This way, the EV will take less time to charge. Moreover, regular EV charging is better for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Citroën offers up to 8 years or 160,000 km warranty for the battery (70% charge capacity).
Given the weight of the vehicle (1,969 kg), to include the onboard EV battery, the performance of the ë-Spacetourer will not get you to the pole position on the grid. The front-wheel drive electric van can achieve 0-100 km/h in 12.1 seconds (max power: 136 hp). The top speed of the EV is 130 km/h. The e-van has 3 driving modes: normal mode, eco mode and power mode. The eco mode optimises electricity consumption.
The e-MPV is equipped with a 7″ display (Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto), 15 driving assistance systems: head-up display, intelligent beam headlights, driver attention alert, keyless entry/start, 180-degree colour reversing camera, park assist, trailer stability control, coffee break alert and more. The EV also has connectivity technologies Connect Assist, Connect NAV and Connect Play.
For families keen on electric driving and need 9 seats, the ë-Spacetourer is worth considering. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Very practical for large families with up to 9 seats (3-rows) | Only available in a 50 kWh EV battery option with limited EV range |
One of the few affordable zero-tailpipe emission 9 seater MPVs available in the UK market | Infotainment system very basic |
100 kW DC charging | Tailgate operation restrictive in tight parking spaces |
The Citroën ë-Spacetourer MPV (credit: Citroen)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | MPV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (2 Options) |
---|
Citroen ë-Spacetourer M Size (from € 48,938) |
Citroen ë-Spacetourer L Size (from € 49,808) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 50 kWh |
Charging: | 100 kW DC rapid charging (15%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 7 kW (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
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 | |
---|---|
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) | |
---|---|
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 (ë-Spacetourer M) | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1890 |
Width (mm): | 1920 |
Length (mm): | 4956 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 3275 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.5 |
Boot Space (L): | 507 |
ë-Spacetourer M | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 50 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 240 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 204 |
Charging: | 100 kW DC rapid charging (15%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 7 kW (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
Top Speed: | 130 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 12.1 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 100 |
Horsepower (hp): | 136 |
Torque (Nm): | 260 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | Up to 9 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 1,969 |
Colours: | 4 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Longest Range Pure Electric Cars: Top 5
The electric driving sector has certainly witnessed significant progress in relation to electric range, for both, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Historically, range anxiety has been an impediment for consumers keen to migrate to electric cars, in particular, pure electric cars.
Though range anxiety has been a valid concern, in our view, it had been over-exaggerated. Do keep in mind that most day-to-day driving involves short journeys i.e. school runs, travel to work, local high street, gym, grocery store etc. How many times in a month do we really travel long distances?
In any case, with the latest-generation of pure electric cars, there is ample e-range for both short and long-distance motorway journeys. In fact, the latest-generation of pure electric cars offer a real-world range over 500 km on a single charge. Some of these EVs can travel from the North to the South of Ireland on a single-charge! The longest range electric car on our list below is the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS saloon with a WLTP claimed range up to 729 km.
Several factors have contributed to the improvement in emission-free electric range. Some of these include: increase in size of the onboard EV battery, improvements in the EV battery management, sleeker aerodynamics, lower vehicle weight and overall improvement in vehicle efficiency. We can expect this trend to continue, as automotive manufacturers labour to further improve the efficiency of electric vehicles and ultimately electric range.
It is also worth noting, that not all automotive manufacturers aspire for the largest onboard EV battery or the longest electric range. Many electric cars, like the all-electric Honda-e have been developed primarily to target the needs of urban drivers, who travel short distances. Of course, even for such electric cars, automotive manufacturers continue to seek improvements in vehicle efficiency and e-range.
Brand/ Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Electric Range (WLTP) | Body Type | Battery Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mercedes-Benz EQS | 108.4 kWh | 729 km | Saloon | 8 years or 160,000 km |
BMW i7 | 105.7 kWh | 622 km | Saloon | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Mercedes-Benz EQE | 90.6 kWh | 617 km | Saloon | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Polestar 3 | 111 kWh | 610 km | SUV | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Ford Mustang Mach-E | 98 kWh | 600 km | SUV | 8 years or 160,000 km |
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