Citroën considers offering affordable electric vehicles

Desiring to rejuvenate its image, Citroën aims to confirm the success of its micro-city car AMI, with a new range of affordable electric cars.

Since the COVID-19 health crisis, the price of new cars has skyrocketed, a phenomenon further amplified by the war in Ukraine. Despite government bonuses, electric vehicle prices remain very high. Too high.

Some brands like Dacia are thriving with cars such as the Spring, which can carry four people with good autonomy, at still reasonable costs (from €20,800 before bonuses).

At Citroën, the philosophy is somewhat different, with a Citroën AMI without a license (from €7,790), aimed at young people, but also at users of car-sharing services in congested city centers.

Building on the success of its AMI, Citroën does not want to stop there and is working on a range of small cars capable of competing with Dacia, but also the Chinese MG, whose MG4 disrupts the electric market with low prices (but what about the manufacturer’s margin?).

Cheaper and Sexier?

In an interview with our British colleagues at Autocar, Pierre Leclercq, Citroën’s head of design, shared some insights. “We have excellent products coming out soon that, I believe, are real kick-ups in terms of design. It’s going to be really cool. I mean, we’re excited to get these on the road. The prices will be so aggressive. We can only be proud to have done it.”

These future models will feature bold styles, possibly inspired by the Citroën OLI concept car. Mechanically, the new 156-horsepower electric motor could be part of the package (see our review of the facelifted DS3 E-Tense). And what about the price? It is expected to be below €28,000 (before bonuses), according to all indications.

Also read: Vécu: A trip in a Citroën Ami in Paris