Berlingo Electrique to feature at CV Show

Citroen will showcase its new-look Berlingo Electrique van at April's Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Citroen has drawn on its  experience of electric LCVs, dating back to the launch of its first generation Berlingo Electrique in 1998, to produce a modern, all-electric van.

The French manufacturer will also use the show to introduce a range of other fresh LCV products, with the new Dispatch L1H1 HDi 125 6-seat Crew Van and Stop & Start equipped Relay vans set to feature.

Additionally, the show's attendees will benefit as Citroen Contract Motoring staff offer instant contract hire and other business-related finance quotations.

In the new Berlingo Electrique, the electric motor is situated under the bonnet and the lithium-ion battery pack is positioned below the vehicle's load deck. As a result, the load compartment of up to 3.7m and payload of 636kg is on a par with that found in a Berlingo van that runs on diesel.

The Electrique can cover a distance of 106 miles thanks to its battery capacity of 22.5kWh, with a complete charge taking approximately eight and a half hours through a domestic socket. A 380V three-phase terminal in quick-charge mode will enable drivers to charge the vehicle to 80 per cent of capacity in just 35 minutes.

The van's permanent magnet synchronous electric motor creates 49kW (67hp) with a peak torque rating of 200Nm. A speed reducer and a single-ratio gearbox are used by the motor to operate the front wheels.

The Berlingo Electrique's features include eco-driving information, a deceleration and braking energy recovery system, an electric heating system with a mode to cap energy consumption and hill start assist linked to the ESP system.

Scott Michael, Citroen's head of commercial vehicles and business centre programme, said the launch of the new Berlingo Electrique will see Citroen offer businesses a wide array of innovative environmental transport solutions.

He said: "When the Berlingo Electrique goes on UK sale in the second half of the year, Citroen will be able to offer businesses a unique choice of no less than five LCV driveline and fuel choices, including petrol, dual fuel (petrol/LPG), HDi diesel, e-HDi micro-hybrid and full electric."