The French manufacturer Citroën has announced that its new electric ë-Relay van range will include a 75kWh battery.
This upgrade from the previous 70kWh will see a range increase of up to 15 miles, bringing the total maximum range to 154 miles. It will be included in both its 3.4- and 4-tonne models.
Citroën, part of global automaker Stellantis, said that the larger battery capacity does not reduce the practical capacity of new ë-Relay Electric. Drivers will benefit from increased range without losing out on any of the 15m3 of load volume and 1,100kg of payload.
According to the manufacturer, the new 75kWh battery is complemented by a 120hp electric motor with maximum torque of 260Nm, claiming this provides instant responsiveness with no vibrations and a smooth driving experience.
Available to order now, first deliveries for new Citroën ë-Relay 75kWh models are anticipated from Q3 2022.
In line with the brand’s ‘Fair Pricing’ policy, consumers will see no increase in price when moving from a 70kWh to a 75kWh battery in the 3.5-tonne models. The 4-tonne models will receive an £8,770 reduction in basic MRRP (Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price), as a result of reduced component costs.
This price reduction, along with a Plug-in Van Grant of up to £5,000, means 4-tonne models can be available from £61,535 excluding VAT – a competitive price.
A fellow Stellantis company, Vauxhall, has made a similar announcement regarding its Movano-e van. The Movano-e will also include a 75kWh battery instead of 70kWh, with a range of up 154 miles. The upgraded battery will present no cost change to buyers.
Vauxhall has also announced it has improved its vans’ charging time. Upgrades to the Movano-e’s electric architecture has enabled the van to charge to 80% using a 22kW AC charger in just four hours, compared to the previous eight hours with 11kW AC. Using a 50kW DC (CCS) rapid charger, the vehicle can complete an 80% charge in as little as one hour.