31.1.2013 Citroen to launch new Berlingo Electrique

Citroen will be showing its all-new Berlingo Electrique van at this year's Commercial Vehicle Show, to be held at the Birmingham NEC from 9th to 11th April.

This advanced, 100% electric van builds upon Citroen's unrivalled experience of electric LCVs in the UK, which was gained with the first generation Berlingo Electrique launched in 1998.

The new Berlingo Electrique incorporates the latest electric vehicle technology. The electric motor is positioned under the bonnet and the lithium-ion battery is underneath the vehicle's load deck, meaning that the load compartment remains equivalent to that of a diesel-powered Berlingo van – 3.7 cubic metres volume and 636kg payload.

With a total battery capacity of 22.5kWh, the Berlingo Electrique has a range of up to 106 miles. Using a domestic socket, the vehicle can be fully charged in around 8.5 hours or, alternatively, it can be charged to 80% of capacity in only 35 minutes using a specific 380V three-phase charging point terminal in quick-charge mode.

The Berlingo Electrique's permanent magnet synchronous electric motor produces 49kW (67hp) and has a peak torque rating of 200Nm. The motor drives the front wheels through a speed reducer and a single-ratio gearbox.

Full UK specification and pricing of Citroen's new electric vehicle will be announced closer to the CV Show, but among the Berlingo Electrique's many features are:

* Eco-driving information, including an energy consumption/regeneration indicator, an instantaneous energy consumption gauge and an auxiliaries consumption gauge, which displays data on heating, air conditioning and other secondary power usage
* An electric heating system with an eco-mode to limit energy consumption
* A deceleration and braking energy recovery system
* Hill start assist coupled to the ESP system

Scott Michael, Citroen's Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Centre Programme, comments: "With the launch of the new Berlingo Electrique, Citroen is able to offer businesses the widest range of innovative environmental transport solutions. When the Berlingo Electrique goes on UK sale in the second half of the year, Citroen will be able to offer businesses a unique choice of no less than five LCV driveline and fuel choices, including petrol, dual fuel (petrol/LPG), HDi diesel, e-HDi micro-hybrid and full electric."