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Citroen ë-Berlingo Electric Van
There are those that say it's not flashy, and others describe it as a quietly clever electric vehicle (EV) - with deep functionality.
Our review of the Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric explains why this compact cargo carrier could be the ideal panel van with a range of eco-friendly benefits.
Here's What Works Really Well
It's not trying to be a slick electric crossover, Instead, it's an electric panel van that leans into its van-based roots. You could say the e Berlingo is a family mover and a workhorse.
Spacious and Flexible
The boxy shape exhibits more than sleek styling, it gives the ë-Berlingo compact van a ton of usable room. So, no matter whether you're hauling shopping, camping gear, or even using it as a shuttle, the high-roof and sliding side doors make loading and unloading easy.
Depending on which version of the large electric vans you're looking at, you can get up to seven (7) seats, which is a bit of a rarity in EVs of this kind.
Engine and Driving Feel
Its 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor produces instant torque (around 260 Nm). The outcome? It produces some surprisingly sprightly acceleration for a van - especially when you deploy the "Power" mode.
The three selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal, Power) are handy. As you may expect, Eco helps to conserve energy, Normal feels more balanced, and Power finds a little extra "punch" when it's loaded or climbing.
Battery, Range, and Charging
Using a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery, the ë-Berlingo offers up to around 213 miles (WLTP) on paper.
Of course, real-world use is going to be lower, especially if it's fully loaded or you're driving in cold weather. Nonetheless, for many use cases, such as city driving, short work routes, family trips, you should find it extremely usable.
- It supports fairly fast charging: you can go from 0% to 80% in about thirty (30) minutes using a 100 kW DC charger.
- At home, it's slightly more modest: a 7.4 kW wallbox takes around seven (7) to eight (8) hours for a full charge.
- Regenerative braking is aided by a "B" mode (activated via a button) to recover extra energy during deceleration.
Comfort Meets Practicality
The high seating position offers good visibility, the ride is surprisingly smooth for a van, and the suspension soaks up most of the bumps.
Moreover, the steering is precise, and the turning circle is tight (around 10.8 metres), which will be a help for urban driving.
Durability and Warranty
You'll find the battery located under the seats, so it doesn't eat up too much cargo space.
As with almost all electric vans, the warranty is important. Citroën says the battery is backed up for eight (8) years or 100,000 miles (or up to 70% capacity).
Where Does e-Berlingo Van Fall Short?
While the WLTP figure is relatively attractive, some independent testers report that the displayed range can drop well below the claimed number on cold mornings.
So, if you're planning to make long motorway trips, you may need to charge more often or plan your stops with caution.
Interior Quality and Sportiness
The cabin is very utilitarian and definitely practical. But, some e Berlingo van reviews suggest that the materials feel "cheap".
Put another way:
There's no shortage of hard plastics and the design seems to prioritise function over finesse. OK... so it's not a luxury cabin, but you could argue that it's by design.
This is not a car for spirited driving. It's more about utility than driving thrills. We found the Citroen e-Berlingo compact van surprisingly fun to drive. But it's still a van!
Weight, Efficiency, and Towing Limits
Being van-based and carrying a significant battery, means it's a heavy vehicle. In fact, the gross vehicle weight is about 2,450 kilograms.
As a consequence, some van owners have pointed out that tyre wear could be higher, and energy usage at speed might be more than one of the lighter EVs.
In addition, even though rapid charging is available, some real-world users report that they haven't seen the full 100 kW charge rate (suggesting that the charging peaks may be lower).
If you were hoping to be towing significant weight, the ë-Berlingo may be a disappointment. The general feeling is that its towing capacity is quite modest compared to some other family vehicles.
To Summarise
The Citroën ë-Berlingo is not aiming to be anything other than what it actually is... a highly practical, electrified workhorse that doubles as a family carrier.
Our testers chose to highlight some of the most compelling reasons for UK business owners to buy a Citroen e-Berlingo electric van.
Even though its main rivals include the Peugeot e-Partner and the Vauxhall Combo-e, it may be a good buy for:
- Families who need more space than a regular EV hatch or crossover.
- Small business owners who want an EV with real utility.
- Drivers who plan to use it daily around the city or for moderate-distance routes, rather than long-distance EV touring.
- If you're the kind of person who prioritizes function over flash, the ë-Berlingo is a very smart choice. But if you’re expecting a performance EV or luxury interior, you might feel some compromises.
Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric Van Starting Price in the United Kingdom: £22,799*
Important: On the road (OTR) prices exclude VAT required for commercial vehicles but might include the discount associated with the UK government Plug-in Van Grant (PIVG)*.