Citroën Berlingo électrique
| Company type | Electric vehicle model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën C15 électrique |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Products | Electric van |
The Citroën Berlingo électrique represents the electric-powered version of the initial generation Citroën Berlingo van, which was manufactured between 1998 and 2005. It is equipped with a 162 V Saft NiCd battery pack and a 28 kW Leroy Somer electric motor, capable of reaching a maximum speed of and providing an average driving range of . This model followed the C15 électrique in Citroën's lineup.
Overview
From the outset, the Berlingo électrique was engineered to accommodate petrol, diesel, and electric powertrains, maintaining identical instrumentation and control layouts as its fuel-powered equivalents.
Production ceased in 2005, after which the first-generation Berlingo underwent conversion to an electric drivetrain by Venturi Automobiles, utilizing a ZEBRA molten-salt battery system. These modified vehicles, named Citroën Berlingo First Electric "Powered by Venturi," were exclusively delivered to La Poste (France) beginning in 2010.
The 2013 model year introduced the Citroën Berlingo Electric, based on the second-generation Berlingo platform and powered by an electric system derived from the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Subsequently, in 2021, the ë-Berlingo debuted on the third-generation chassis featuring an internally developed drivetrain by the PSA Group.
Dimensions and capacities
The cargo compartment offers a height of , a loading length of , and a width between the wheel arches measuring . The liftover height stands at . The vehicle's gross weight rating is , supporting a maximum payload capacity of , inclusive of driver weight.
Powertrain
The electric motor generates peak torque of within the range of 0 to 1600 RPM and attains maximum power output of from 1600 to 5500 RPM. It delivers continuous power rated at , functioning at a nominal voltage of 400 V. This unit is a brushed DC electric motor ("continuous current with separate excitation") that requires routine maintenance for carbon brush replacement.
The high-voltage battery consists of 27 nickel-cadmium modules, each rated at 6 V and 100 A-hr, providing an overall voltage of 162 V and an energy capacity of 16.2 kW-hr. Typical energy consumption averages .
The Berlingo électrique utilizes a direct drive transmission coupled with a reduction gear set, effectively offering a single forward gear from standstill up to . Although its gear selector resembles that of an automatic transmission, it only includes Drive, Neutral, Reverse, and Park positions.
Speed and range
Energy usage depends on factors such as terrain, weather conditions, velocity, and controller efficiency. A speed increase of 25% results in a 36% reduction in range due to nonlinear aerodynamic drag. Operating at lower speeds enhances efficiency; for instance, energy consumption at is , increasing to at higher velocities. Speeds exceeding cause overheating in the controller, diminishing its effectiveness.
Typical driving ranges per charge are as follows:
| Speed | Range Per Charge |
|---|---|
| 56 km/h (35 mph) | 96 km (60 miles) |
| 64 km/h (40 mph) | 82 km (51 miles) |
| 80 km/h (50 mph) | 58 km (36 miles) |
| 96 km/h (60 mph) | 48 km (30 miles) |
Operating in wet or snowy conditions increases rolling resistance, which reduces the electric driving range by approximately 15%.
Starting
The ignition key functions much like in traditional vehicles: turning it clockwise first activates the accessories, then moves to the ignition stage, and finally engages the starting circuit. However, at the ignition phase, only the STOP and handbrake warning indicators (if applicable) are shown, differing from the full set of indicator checks seen in the standard Berlingo.
When the key is turned to the start position, it powers the main traction battery relay, which connects the traction battery to the motor with a noticeable click. The STOP warning lamp turns off, and once Drive or Reverse is selected, pressing the accelerator initiates vehicle movement. The vehicle will not start if the traction battery connector is plugged in, if the accelerator is pressed prematurely, or if the vehicle is not at a complete stop.
Choosing Drive lights up a green forward gear indicator; selecting Reverse activates an orange reverse gear light.
Instrumentation
The dashboard features two prominent analog dials alongside a central arc-shaped "Téconoscope" or "Econoscope." The left dial serves as the speedometer, while the right one displays the battery's state of charge. The Téconoscope shows real-time energy flow: centered when stationary, shifting left during energy regeneration ("ECO"), and moving right when energy is being consumed, with color-coded segments for clarity. A dedicated warning light alerts when performance is restricted due to low charge or temperature constraints.
The energy gauge provides an accurate percentage of remaining battery capacity by tracking amp-hours instead of voltage. A "traction battery discharged" warning illuminates below 20% charge but is voltage-dependent, leading to some variation among different vehicles.
Warning indicators are organized into three distinct groups:
| Name (color) |
Door-open alert (red) |
Rear fog light (amber) |
Dipped headlights (green) |
Main beam headlights (blue) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Illuminates when ignition key is turned on; turns off once doors are securely closed. | Activated when rear fog lamps are on | Indicates dipped headlights are in use (standard driving mode) | Signals main beam headlights are engaged (high beam) | |
| Name (color) |
Traction battery charging (green) |
Traction battery low charge (amber) |
Heater fuel low (amber) |
Auxiliary battery fault (red) |
STOP indicator (red) |
| Purpose | Flashes during battery charging process | Lights up when state of charge drops below 20% | Warns that heater fuel level is at or below 2 liters | Indicates malfunction in 12 V auxiliary battery system | Illuminates at ignition if traction motor or battery connection is missing; flashes if charging plug remains connected |
| Name (color) |
Electrical system fault (amber) |
Handbrake engaged / low brake fluid (red) |
Low traction battery water level (amber) |
||
| Purpose | Signals an ECU-detected fault; professional servicing recommended | Illuminates when handbrake is applied, brake fluid is low, or regenerative braking malfunction occurs | Warns of insufficient water level in traction battery | ||
Heating
To reduce battery consumption, the vehicle incorporates a petrol-powered heater as an integral component. This heater generally requires between 5 and 10 minutes to reach optimal warmth and efficiently heats the cabin space. It remains operational for a short duration even after the ignition has been switched off.
The heater's dedicated fuel reservoir has a capacity of , with an average fuel usage of .
Brakes
When the accelerator pedal is released, regenerative braking is engaged, converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy stored in the traction battery.
While power-assisted braking is standard, electric vehicles do not have engine vacuum to support the brake servo. Therefore, a separate vacuum pump is installed, operating intermittently—typically running for 10 to 15 seconds followed by several minutes off. Note that power assist is inactive when the ignition is turned off.
By default, brake lights do not illuminate during strong regenerative braking, which could potentially confuse other road users. However, this feature can be activated through PSA’s service software if desired.
Power steering
Electric power steering is standard and achieved via an electric motor that drives the hydraulic pump, compensating for the lack of engine-driven pump rotation typical in conventional vehicles.
Charging
The vehicle’s charging system employs a domestic power connector stored beneath the front passenger seat. In the UK, it requires a 230 V, 16 A earthed outlet equipped with a 30 mA residual current device. Charging from 20% to full capacity typically takes seven to eight hours at this rate.
For rapid charging, an Avcon connector located on the front wing inlet is used. Charging initiates only when the inlet door switch is closed and ceases automatically once the battery reaches 80% capacity; charging above this threshold is not supported. With a 150 A power supply, approximately 20% state of charge can be added every eight minutes.
Disconnecting the charging plug prematurely may trigger an 'Electrical Fault Light' that stays illuminated until a complete trickle charge cycle resets it. Resolving this fault requires dealer assistance and disables fast charging until cleared.
Service items
The Electrique is designed for simplicity with low maintenance requirements. Under the front bonnet, key components such as the auxiliary battery, fusebox, and essential fluids (windshield washer, power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid) are easily accessible. The synthetic hydraulic brake fluid must be replaced every two years or after 60,000 km. Original tires are sized 165/70 R14 and should be maintained at 41 psi inflation pressure.
Battery watering is necessary roughly every 4,000 miles and can be performed at authorized dealers or using third-party kits. Timely replacement of motor brushes according to the maintenance schedule is critical to prevent significant damage.
Common DIY enhancements
Since the base Electrique model lacks rear seats and windows, many owners choose to retrofit rear seats and windows compatible with standard Berlingo I Multispace models where local regulations permit such modifications.
Availability
Outside France, the Electrique was also marketed in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, and Switzerland.
Similar vehicles
The Berlingo électrique shares design characteristics with earlier electric models such as the 1992-93 Ford Ecostar and succeeded the 1991 Citroën C15 électrique. A Peugeot-branded counterpart was sold as the Peugeot Partner Electric. Additionally, battery-electric versions of Peugeot 106 and Citroën Saxo supermini cars were developed.
During its production run, no direct competitors existed in its goods vehicle segment. After production ended, companies like Nice Car Company and Modec introduced electric commercial vehicles offering similar payload capacities.
See also
- Alcatel-Lucent
- Wikibooks: Citroën Berlingo Electrique Service Manual
- Wikibooks: Citroën Berlingo Electrique Owners Manual
External links
- Citroen Berlingo électrique User Guide (archived)
- Updated Berlingo Electrique Van Overview – Car Pages
Enthusiast websites
- Berlingo-e details (no updates since August 2016)
- Archived materials on Citroën Berlingo Electrique
- Battery Vehicle Society (UK) – includes membership register and discussion forum
- Technical articles from Electric Driver (archived)
- Swedish study on Clean Vehicles with Electric Drive (archived)