Citroen unveils ë-Dispatch with two choices of range

Citroën is widening its choice of electric vehicles vans, starting with the ë-Dispatch in the second half of this year, plus a 100% electric version of Relay at the end of 2020, and a 100% electric version of Berlingo Van during 2021.

This range will benefit business users by offering a benchmark level of comfort, controlled operating costs, freedom to access town centres and the ability to keep up with the growth of e-commerce.

The ë-Dispatch is only visually different on the outside due to the charging port positioned on the left-hand front wing. Plus a blank section in the grille at the front, and a new “ë” badge fitted to the right of the grille and again on the left-hand rear door.

Built on the Groupe PSA EMP2 multi-energy platform, this electric version of Dispatch is offered with two battery powertrains – giving two levels of vehicle range – allowing every operator to select the one that best suits their needs and budget: 143 miles on the WLTP cycle (available with XS and M body styles) fitted with a 50 kWh battery, made up of 18 separate modules. The other has a 205 mile range on the WLTP cycle (available with M and XL body styles) fitted with a 75 kWh battery, made up of 27 individual modules.

Citroën ë-Dispatch is fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack. The EMP2 platform allows the batteries to be mounted in the chassis, so maintaining the van’s load volume. The batteries store and supply the energy for the electric motor, and the air-conditioning and heating systems. The charge level is displayed on the instrument cluster in front of the driver, alongside a reserve warning light.

A 12V accessory battery supplies the traditional vehicle electrical system. It is automatically re-charged from the drive battery pack.

New ë-Dispatch offers all the advantages of the architecture from the existing internal combustion engine (ICE) versions. This means compact exterior dimensions, while offering modularity, ergonomics, interior space, storage space and optimised loading capacity, making it an ideal work tool. ë-Dispatch is available in three lengths, including the XS model at 4.60m – designed for easier access to urban centres and for unfettered parking. This length, coupled with a volume of up to 5.1m3, makes for an extremely compact van.

Note: 50 kW/h battery pack not available on XL in the UK.