Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall models built from 2022 are getting more electric range. The Stellantis-owned brands are taking advantage of small engineering gains in three areas. Advancements in the climate control technology, propulsion systems and tyre technology have converged to translate to greater electric range, according to WLTP official figures.
The models benefitting from the developments are the Citroen e-C4, DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, Peugeot e-208, Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Corsa-e and the Vauxhall Mokka-e. Capitalising on collaborations in production between the brands, Stellantis has been able to scale the changes across multiple brands’ models.
Firstly, a new heating and cooling system includes a heat pump, less energy than conventional air-conditioning systems. The expectation is that drivers will see the benefits of this more efficient heating and cooling system in the depths of winter.
Secondly, there’s a new transmission reducer, meaning revs from the electric motor aren’t wasted, but redirected to the wheels. With marginally less reliance on the energy from the battery, the vehicle can go further.
Finally, some models are being upgraded to A+ rated electric-vehicle specific tyres. These tyres have lower rolling resistance, which again, in plain speak, means there’s less opposite force the vehicle has to work against to move along the road. Reducing the drag reduces the amount of power needing to be applied to keep the vehicle moving forward.
These small, yet not insignificant, developments mean the Corsa-e now offers 222 miles, up 13 miles, based on official figures. The larger Mokka-e sees only eight miles gain, where the e-C4 gains just over four. (Citroen reckons this could look more like 18 miles in real-world use, though the Parkers team is somewhat sceptical).
Similarly, Peugeot’s e-208 and e-2008 have gained eight and 18 miles respectively. With ambitions to have all models on the ranges fully electric by 2028, Stellantis joins other manufacturers in refining all areas of their vehicles to optimise electric range and mitigate the need for consumers to charge their cars as frequently.
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