CITROËN ELECTRIC & HYBRID FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

While an electric car’s list price can be more expensive than the equivalent petrol or diesel, this doesn’t paint the whole picture, as the total cost you pay over its lifetime could be less.

 

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are the most expensive component, but when you consider the fuel savings they equate to, the initial premium can be offset across ownership. Even partially electric cars, like the Citroën C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid, offer electric-only motoring for over 30 miles per charge. That’s enough to get most to work and back. 

 

When considering potential savings in taxes and servicing costs, a Citroën electric car could be more suitable than you think. 

As a mix of electric and traditional combustion power, hybrids offer the security of petrol or diesel with the added benefit of improved miles per gallon (mpg) and reduced emissions. 

 

Hybrid (HEV): Generally a car with a small, self-charging battery and electric motor to operate at lower speeds and in tandem with a traditional engine. 

 

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): Similar to a ‘standard’ hybrid, but usually with a bigger battery that is recharged through the mains and a cable, like the Citroën C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid. 

 

Mild hybrid (MHEV): Mild hybrids have less of a reliance on electric than a HEV or PHEV, and often use a small battery and electric motor to assist in setting off from a standstill and maintaining a steady speed. These don’t usually have an all-electric driving mode. 

 

With several types of EV, from all-electric cars to plug-in hybrids, keeping up with the terms can be confusing. But, it’s important to understand which is best for you when considering a switch to electric. 

Originally announced for 2040, the government’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans has since been brought forward to 2030. Select hybrids, as cars that partially rely on petrol or diesel, will be exempt until 2035, but only those with a “significant zero-emissions range”.

 

Used sales and owning of petrol- or diesel-powered cars and vans will not be affected, however, only brand-new sales. EV funding and infrastructure is growing all the time, so by 2030 it’s likely electric motoring will be more practical for UK drivers.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson included the ban on new petrol and diesel sales in his 10-point plan to tackle climate change and achieve the UK’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

 

The initiative will also boost the British economy through the creation of jobs in green energy and transport. 

When the sale of new petrol and diesel cars ends, we’ll naturally see a reduction in the number of them on the road, although buying, owning and driving second-hand and existing models will still be possible. As the average lifespan of a car is around 12 years, the phasing out of combustion-powered cars on UK roads will be gradual.  

 

As such, traditional fuel pumps will remain after the ban but they may decrease in numbers and be replaced by charging points as the balance of cars swings towards EVs. Explore the Citroën electric hub to find out if switching ahead of the ban would work for you. 

Petrol and diesel cars and vans are still available for purchase until the 2030 ban, and select hybrids until 2035. After this point, you’ll still be able to own and drive a combustion-powered car, but the benefits of doing so may be outweighed by EVs by that point. 

 

That said, you may be surprised by the actual costs of owning an EV even now. While the list prices and monthly payments can be higher, the fuel and tax savings could offset that and bring the overall costs in line with or even lower than a petrol or diesel equivalent. 

Although EV manufacture can require more energy than a petrol or diesel model, through the materials and processes involved, this is offset by the reduced emissions across the car’s lifespan. In the case of all-electric models, the exhaust emissions are removed completely. 

 

According to Greenpeace, an electric car has around “half the climate impact over its lifetime” compared with the average car.

Some EV battery materials, particularly lithium and cobalt, draw criticism because they can come from countries and mines with poor environmental and human rights records. Citroën and parent company Stellantis, however, works with suppliers to ensure responsible procurement practices throughout the supply chain.

As batteries are expensive and contain precious metals, it’s far more likely they’ll be recycled or reused. 

 

Some houses already make use of ‘second life’ EV cells, which capture solar and wind energy and feed it into the home. This form of recycling means battery packs could have an additional decade of use after they’re used in a car or van. After this point, or in the case of damaged batteries, the precious metals can be retrieved and used to make new batteries. 

Electric cars tend to be automatic, without clutch pedals and gear sticks, making them easier to drive. The initial acceleration is also surprising to many drivers, as the electric motors can deliver 100% of the torque (a car’s pulling force) instantly. 

 

In the case of pure electrics, the power is provided across a single band or ‘gear’, so acceleration and speed changes are seamless and without engine noise. Even plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that switch between electric and combustion power, like the Citroën C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid, are much smoother and quieter than many expect. 

Citroën electric cars feature selectable driving modes to alter the car’s performance and feel, from the range-extending ‘Eco’ mode to the more performance-focused ‘Sport’ setting. Citroën's PHEVs will also get underway in electric only, but this can be locked in for silent, emission-free driving. 

 

Another standout feature is regenerative braking, which channels unused power back into the battery when lifting off the accelerator. This is a handy method of saving charge and getting more miles from your EV. 

As with petrol and diesel cars, towing affects efficiency and range. Although some EVs are capable of towing, especially PHEVs that can also rely on conventional engines, it’s best to speak to the team at your local Citroën dealership to check the guidance for a model you’re considering or have purchased. 

Because of their lower number of parts compared to conventional cars, EVs can be surprisingly reliable. Without exhausts, fuel delivery systems, oil filters or clutches, they can actually be easier to repair and maintain. 

 

Modern car batteries themselves are largely free of maintenance as they’re designed to last the lifetime of the car, or even longer. For added peace of mind, Citroën electric cars come with a warranty that guarantees 70% battery capacity for 100,000 miles or eight years.

While a degree of battery performance loss is expected over the course of ownership, an electric car’s batteries are more robust than the kind you’ll find in household electronics like mobile phones or laptops. 

 

They’re designed to last the lifetime of an EV, and even after that can be used in other forms of power storage. Our sales and maintenance teams are also on hand to offer tips for maintaining your batteries’ performance. 

Citroën’s battery packs are maintenance free for the driver, so you don’t need to add fuel, oil or water to keep it in check. All you’ll do is charge it. During a service, a Citroën technician will perform a battery health check and advise on practices to ensure it has the longest life. 

 

These tips include only charging to 100% when it’s needed. If you don’t need a full charge for a particular journey, it’s best to top it up to only 80% or less if possible. The charge level can be pre-set in the car’s EV menu.


You can plug your car in every day or leave it unplugged for a long time without affecting the battery, but it is recommended that you charge it at least once a month. The battery management system is electronically controlled and uses very little power. If you generally do lots of short charges, it's a good idea to perform a full standard charge every two weeks.


Whether you have single-phase or three-phase supply, you will be able to charge your vehicle. If your vehicle is compatible, i.e. equipped with an integrated three-phase onboard charger, you will get a faster charge - in as little as 5 hours - where three-phase power is available.

EV batteries are designed to be maintenance free for drivers and shouldn’t need any repairs in their lifetime. They’re also protected by steel casing to prevent damage from water, road debris or accidents. 

 

In the event of external damage or malfunction, the car’s systems will also ensure the battery remains safe. The packs can then be removed by Citroën technicians and assessed for faults. If necessary, individual cells can be replaced to restore the battery back to working order. 

EV batteries still require servicing, but as they’re designed to last the lifetime of the car without oil or parts changes, the costs could be 30% lower than the equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle on average. 

 

That doesn’t mean your battery won’t be regularly checked and assessed, though. During servicing, a Citroën technician will check the status of the battery packs and ensure it’s performing as it should be. 

Citroën vehicle warranties cover all models for material and manufacturing defects for three years or 60,000 miles from the first registration. This rises to 100,000 miles for Citroën commercial vehicles. 

 

The lithium-ion battery packs themselves are covered for eight years and 100,000 miles for extra peace of mind. This guarantees at least 70% charging capacity for that time, with cost-free repairs and replacements if the capacity falls below the mark. As an added benefit, roadside assistance is included as part of the package. 

Like in an internal combustion-engine vehicle, the consumption information for an electric vehicle is located next to the speedometer. Range is calculated in real time, and takes into account your driving style, in addition to other factors. However, there are a few things to note: for a plug-in hybrid vehicle, a blue light on the rear-view mirror informs you when you are in 100% electric mode. In addition, your gauge displays the electric range on one side, and your fuel range on the other. You can use the MyCitroën application to remotely check your vehicle's charge status.

The range of your electric vehicle depends on your driving, the load you are carrying, the gradient of the road and your use of air conditioning or heating. C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid has a 100% electric range of 34 miles under the WLTP standard. For vehicles in the 100% electric range, with the ë-C4 and ë-Dispatch the range goes up to 217 miles and 205 miles in WLTP mode.

You can plug into different rated power sockets and the vehicle will charge at the maximum rate of power available, capped by the capacity of the vehicle on board charger. 7kW is the level of power that is most commonplace and suitable for UK domestic properties installing chargepoints.  

Home: if you have off-street parking, we recommend you get a charging point installed.  Citroën have partnered with Pod Point for home charging - and your Dealer can start the process for you.

Work: many workplaces already have electric vehicle charging points installed.

Public: there is a vast network of publically available chargepoints across the country and many of them are completely free to use.  There are a number of different providers however, so www.zap-map.com is the best place to do research on what's available in a certain area from all providers.  

On-Street Residential: in you don't have off-street parking at home, it is worth contacting your council to find out what they are doing in this area.  Central government has funding available to local councils for them to provide charging points for residents who have to park on the street.

The charging time depends on the type of charging point you use. There are several types of terminals, both domestic and public, with several power levels. Find all the information you need on the dedicated vehicle pages.

Citroën vehicle socket: Type 2 connector

Citroën battery electric vehicles on board charger:
7kW (monophase) as standard: charge time - 7 hours 30 mins
11kW (three phase) as factory option: charge time - 5 hours
100kW CCS Rapid Charge as standard: charge time 30 mins to 80%

Citroën plug-in hybrid on board charger:
7kW (monophase): charge time - 1 hour 40 mins

Citroën supply an 7kW accelerated charging cable as standard, to connect to a 'type 2' charging point, as it’s the recommended method for daily charging any electrified vehicle.  If you wish to charge from a 3-pin domestic socket, a cable is available for purchase as an accessory.  Rapid charging for full electric vehicles does not need a separate cable, as these are always tethered to the charging point.

Citroën's charging partner is Pod Point, so they can assist with installing a chargepoint at your home. It can be more challenging to get charging points installed in shared residences and apartments. Pod Point can update you with the latest advice on how to navigate this topic.

If you’re charging an electric car regularly, there’s no escaping the rise in your energy bill. But remember that trips to the petrol station are removed or reduced, depending on your EV type, and electricity is generally around a quarter of the price of conventional fuel. 

 

There are also suppliers who’ll offer cheaper tariffs for use overnight, so you can charge your car at a reduced rate while you sleep. This can cut costs by a third or even more. Public charging can also alleviate the electric use at home, whether at the shops or at the office, where it isn’t considered a taxable benefit. 

All you need is a domestic socket to charge an EV, but we recommend having a dedicated home wallbox installed. This will make charging much faster, safer and more convenient. 

 

There are two types of charging available: AC, which is typically the sort that powers a home wallbox, and DC, which provides rapid charging and is often found at public charge points like service stations or outside supermarkets.

While PHEVs will automatically switch to petrol or diesel power when the batteries are drained, an all-electric car owner will need to be a bit more forward thinking. However, you’ll get plenty of warning before the battery is completely drained. 

 

It’s best to always keep the car charged up for impromptu trips out, to avoid unexpected breakdowns. 

Citroën strives to bring the most efficient technologies to market and support the UK in becoming a world leader in green motoring and technology. 

 

However, the practicalities of producing, storing and distributing hydrogen mean that battery-powered electric vehicles are much more viable for cars and light vans in the UK right now. They’re also cheaper to buy and run. 

Some experts point to synthetic fuels to reduce carbon, through the likes of hydrogen, which can be burned in a conventional combustion engine. However, creating these fuels can require a lot of energy and it may be a power source that’s more appropriate for heavy vehicles like buses and trucks. 

 

In the UK and Europe, with rapidly advancing electric infrastructures, Citroën believes EVs are the best way to contribute to the decarbonisation of transport for light vehicles and vans. 

Yes, you can program deferred charging and pre-heat or pre-cool your vehicle by subscribing to our free connected service e-Remote Control through the MyCitroën app.

Yes, most insurers offer policies for electric vehicles.

With fewer moving parts than a petrol or diesel equivalent, electric cars can actually be easier and cheaper to maintain, with savings of around 30% on average. 

 

There are still aspects that require looking after, such as suspension components and body panels, but these are shared with combustion-engined cars and are no more expensive. Also, through the use of regenerative braking, EVs tend to be much lighter on brake wear. If you are worried about costs, our service plan could provide peace of mind and spread the payments over the year. 

Yes, Citroën technicians undergo a series of certified training courses to ensure they’re able to maintain and repair all electric models. They’re also supported by Citroën's engineers and experts, leaving no doubt they’re the best team to look after your EV. 

Many vehicle components are shared with petrol and diesel models, so it’s usually just the electric powertrain that requires a different approach. However, all Citroën technicians undergo certified training to ensure they’re up to speed on your car, how it works and how it’s maintained. 

 

Your car will only be handled by trained, qualified technicians who can ensure your car functioning reliably. 

The My Citroën app is available on Android and iOS. To register, you need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), found on your windscreen and registration document - so you can pair your vehicle with the app and take advantage of all the features. Take advantage of your car's entire digital ecosystem and the Citroën connected services compatible with your vehicle.

This is fully dependent on where you charge and the cost of your electricity. Some public chargepoints are completely free, whereas others have variable charges. You can also install a chargepoint at home and pay for the electricity you use to charge.

Electricity is priced by kWh (kilowatt per hour) - so for a full battery charge you multiply the price per kWh by the capacity of the battery (in the same way today you would multiply the price per gallon, by the fuel tank capacity).

Many energy companies are now offering ‘electric vehicle tariffs’ where charging at certain times is cheaper. Citroën make this easy for you to manage, from either the vehicle or through downloading the MyCitroën app, which allows you to programme your vehicle to start charging at a time convenient to you.

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a company car scheme, it really could be worth your while to make the switch to electric because of government incentives and low BIK (benefit in kind) tax rates. 

 

In the 2022/23 tax year, the rate is only 2%, offering big savings to both company car drivers and their employers. The savings could even run into the thousands each year. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) aren’t subject to the same rates, but there are still substantial savings to be had. Another bonus is being able to charge your car at your employer’s premises without it being deemed a taxable benefit, regardless of if the car covers personal miles. 

 

We can’t predict future government policies, but the UK’s commitment to tackling climate change and air pollution means electrified transport is essential. 

Euro NCAP, the independent testing organisation, tests most cars on sale in the UK and has found that electric cars are as safe, if not safer, than a conventional car in an accident. Citroën vehicles are fitted with the latest safety tech to present accidents happening in the first place, but in that event, our cars’ strong shells and passive safety systems ensure the safety of occupants and electric systems. 

Citroën's engineers go to great lengths to ensure our EVs can be used in all the conditions a conventional car can. Long before our models enter production, they’re tested in heavy rain, standing water and, of course, car washes! 

 

They’re even tested in a lightning strike situation and found to be just as safe. There’s no need to modify your driving behaviour in an electric car. 

Low- and zero-emission zones are designated as only being suitable for traffic producing little to no exhaust emissions and are usually found in densely populated areas where air quality is poor. 

 

The first of these zones are in London but will eventually be extended to other UK areas. Only certified vehicles are permitted to drive within these areas, such as Citroën's new e-C4, which produces zero exhaust emissions. Plug-in hybrids, like the C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid are also permitted, but such models may have to operate in electric-only modes to comply. 

Officially Zero Emission Zones (ZEZs), only vehicles with no exhaust emissions are permitted to drive through these. However, the rules on plug-in hybrids, which have limited electric-only modes, are yet to be finalised. 

 

As the schemes develop, it’s expected that a system will be developed to allow PHEVs in these areas. Citroën is committed to electric mobility for all and will ensure all of its EVs are ZEZ compliant when a final decision is made. 

Electric vans can be just as or even more practical for businesses than their petrol or diesel equivalents. With electric-only ranges of up to 200 miles and above, they can offer significant savings in running costs, reduced maintenance time, reduced driver fatigue and also exemption from congestion charges. 

 

Rapid charging is also compatible with Citroën electric vans, so the batteries can be charged up while out and about. 

All of the official range figures for Citroën electric vans are calculated with the vehicle carrying half of its max load. This will be more than many businesses need, and also means a lighter vehicle will travel further on each charge. 

 

Speak to the team at your local Citroën dealership to see if an EV is the right choice for you and your business. 

As commercial vehicles usually do more mileage than cars, the government is keen to encourage the adoption of zero-emissions vans. This is reflected in the incentives, with a contribution of 35% of purchase price for small and large vans. The former is capped at £2,500, while the latter is capped at £5,000. 

 

To be eligible, vans must have CO2 emissions below 50g\km and be capable of travelling 60 miles in an all-electric mode. Such vehicles are also exempt from road tax, congestion charges and the ULEZ levy. 

Citroën’s electric vans are already versatile, with a choice of models and body styles to suit a range of needs and uses. The e-Dispatch, for example is available in three wheelbase lengths. 

 
However, we also know your requirements may go beyond dimensions and cover the need for refrigeration, racking or lighting, to name just a few. Citroën works with a network of approved installers and suppliers who can help design the van that’s perfect for your business. Speak to a Business Specialist at your local Citroën retailer for more on the options.