Citroën delays the first deliveries of the ë-C3 in Europe until after summer

The market launch of the Citroën ë-C3 will be delayed more than expected due to software-related problems, which as a consequence have led to a postponement of the vehicle’s mass production. According to a recent report based on internal company sources, the French manufacturer has experienced delays in the final software verification, which has ended up affecting the entire initial schedule.

The Citroën ë-C3 is a truly affordable electric vehicle, priced from 23,800 euros in Spain. Although the first deliveries were originally planned for early summer, this will ultimately not happen. The French firm has begun contacting its customers to inform them that they will receive their vehicles after the summer. Since Citroën began accepting orders for this low-cost electric model in early February, the company has received around 30,000 orders according to the latest reports.

The Citroën ë-C3 offers a range of 320 kilometres under the WLTP homologation cycle and is based on Stellantis’ SLTA Small platform. It features an 83 kW electric motor, paired with a 44 kWh battery pack, which can be charged with direct current at a maximum power of 100 kW.

Problems are mounting

The Citroën ë-C3 is not, however, the only French electric model affected by production problems. Other reports also indicate that production of the Peugeot e-3008 has also been delayed due to problems with the drivetrain. In statements to the media, a company spokesperson said that the Sochaux plant will not be at optimal production levels for a few more weeks, but assured that the situation is under control. Production of this electric SUV was recently already affected by a shortage of some of the components needed to assemble this model, although Stellantis says that problem has now been resolved.

The Peugeot e-3008 was presented in September 2023 and went on sale early this year. This model is based on the STLA Medium platform and promises a range of up to 700 kilometres on a single charge.

Finally, it should be noted that, according to some reports, these production delays for both Stellantis models could ultimately lead to a workforce reduction. Stellantis is currently considering the possibility of cutting up to 1,200 jobs in engineering areas in the United States, Europe and China, in order to reduce costs. However, no final decision has yet been made.