Citroën ë-C3: the electric city car begins deliveries, already used models
The models that Citroën had the press test in May were not equipped with the final software. © Digital
Stellantis appears to have finally resolved the software issues of the new Citroen C3 and more particularly of its ë-C3 electric versionAs a reminder, the city car was due to be delivered from the second quarter of 2024, but it was ultimately delayed.
The logistical challenge is considerable for Citroën, which must deliver its 5,800 French customers who ordered their ë-C3 under social leasing before the end of September. Beyond that, the brand risks having to compensate for the significant state aid, this subsidy being given only for deliveries before October 1st.
The first truck loaded with Citroën ë-C3s intended for social leasing customers. © Thierry Koskas via LinkedIn
Other customers will be delivered after these first deliveries, which were finally unlocked thanks to new software validated at the end of last week, according to information from The ArgusThis software was able to be installed on vehicles already produced and which were stored while waiting for these setbacks to end.
Used models already on sale
Surprisingly, in the process, fourth-generation C3 models and some ë-C3s have appeared on used car ad sites, as spotted by our colleagues at Caradisiac. These are demonstration vehicles, which had been delivered by the brand to its dealerships since June. These pre-production cars were not equipped with the final software, which had also led Citroën to instruct dealers not to drive them until certain problems had been resolved.
Several examples of ë-C3 have been put up for sale by Spoticar, the “used label” of Stellantis.
The models displayed as used have since covered up to 6000 km. They will be returned to the factory before being sold, in order to be “finalized” by Citroën and to receive the new version of the software, a brand agent informed us.
As a result, these demonstration vehicles could be delivered as late as new models ordered today, then expected in early 2025. With prices identical to the new price, but without an ecological bonus or discount applied for the kilometers traveled, it is difficult to see how these models could attract customers. It is up to you to show off your negotiating skills… or move on.
