Citroën India has unveiled its latest electric vehicle, the ë-C3X, alongside a groundbreaking 'Battery-as-a-Service' (BaaS) ownership model. This strategic move aims to make EV adoption more accessible by drastically reducing the initial investment required from buyers.
Revolutionary Battery-as-a-Service Model
Under the new BaaS scheme, customers can purchase the ë-C3X vehicle at an introductory price starting from ₹6.89 lakh. The battery cost is separated from the vehicle price, with buyers paying a subscription charge of ₹2.26 per kilometer for battery usage. This contrasts with the conventional purchase model, where the vehicle price starts at ₹10.25 lakh, including the battery.
The French automaker stated that this dual-loan financing structure allows for a lower upfront payment and offers predictable ownership costs. Kumar Priyesh, Director Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, emphasized, "The all-new ë-C3X is a meaningful move to make EV ownership more accessible and flexible through our BaaS offering."
Low Maintenance and Robust Design
Citroën claims the ë-C3X boasts maintenance costs of just 19 paise per kilometer, positioning it among the lowest in the industry. The vehicle is built on Citroën's Smart Car Platform, featuring an SUV-inspired design. Key exterior elements include LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. It offers a substantial 170 mm ground clearance and a 4.98-meter turning radius, along with a 315-liter boot capacity and a 2,450 mm wheelbase.
Advanced Interior and Safety Features
Inside, the ë-C3X is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other interior highlights include a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, wireless charging, connected car technology with over 40 remote-access features, and dual-tone leatherette upholstery. Buyers have the option to upgrade to a JBL audio system and add front and rear dashcams.
Safety is a priority, with the ë-C3X featuring six airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. It also includes speed-sensitive auto door locks and a dashcam-based predictive safety package that offers lane departure warning, front vehicle distance alerts, and pedestrian warning functions. The vehicle's construction utilizes more than 60% high-tensile and ultra-high-tensile steel for enhanced structural integrity.