The popularity of electric vehicles in India continues to grow. With petrol and diesel prices rising and EVs offering lower running costs, more buyers are increasingly considering electric cars. Amid this trend, Citroen has introduced its new e-C3X with a unique ownership model, generating considerable interest in the Indian automotive market.
The company has introduced the car under a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, which brings its starting price down to just ₹6.89 lakh (ex-showroom).
What Is BaaS and Why Is It Important?
Normally, when buying an electric car, customers also pay for the battery as part of the vehicle’s purchase price. Since the battery is one of the most expensive components of an EV, it significantly increases the upfront cost.
Under the BaaS model, however, the customer purchases the vehicle separately and pays an additional monthly or usage-based fee for the battery.
This approach offers several potential advantages:
- Lower upfront purchase price
- Reduced need for a large initial investment
- A more accessible entry point for first-time EV buyers
What Does the e-C3X Look Like?
The new e-C3X appears to combine SUV-inspired styling with a coupe-like profile. It gets modern LED lighting, an attractive front design and a relatively high ground clearance.
The car is designed to be comfortable not only on urban roads but also on rougher road surfaces.
Cabin and Features
The interior has been given a more premium treatment compared with the earlier model. Key features include:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Android Auto
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wireless mobile charger
- Connected car technology
- Multifunction steering wheel
- USB charging ports
Focus on Ride Comfort
Citroen is known for prioritising ride comfort, and the company has carried that philosophy into this model with advanced comfort-oriented suspension and better-cushioned seats.
This should help:
- Reduce the impact of potholes and uneven surfaces
- Make long-distance journeys more comfortable
- Minimise noise and vibrations inside the cabin
What Safety Features Does It Offer?
The new e-C3X has also received a stronger focus on safety.
Key safety features include:
- 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- ISOFIX child-seat anchors
- Rear parking sensors
- Speed alert system
- Seat-belt reminder
- Strong body structure
Citroen e-C3 vs New e-C3X: What Has Changed?
The earlier Citroen e-C3 was positioned in India as an affordable electric hatchback and received attention from budget-conscious EV buyers. However, customers also highlighted areas where the car could have been better. With the new e-C3X, Citroen appears to have addressed some of those concerns.
1. Major Change in Upfront Pricing
The earlier e-C3 started at around ₹11.99 lakh, while the new e-C3X has been introduced at a starting price of ₹6.89 lakh under the BaaS model.
However, the battery subscription or usage charges will be payable separately.
2. More Features
The earlier e-C3 was criticised for its relatively limited feature list. The new e-C3X adds features such as:
- Larger 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless charger
- Connected car technology
These additions make the overall package more competitive.
3. A More Premium Interior
The previous model’s cabin felt relatively basic. The new e-C3X gets a dual-tone interior, improved seat cushioning and a more premium finish, giving the cabin a more upmarket feel.
4. Greater Focus on Safety
While the earlier model had a more limited safety equipment list, the new e-C3X gets features such as six airbags. This could make it a more appealing option for family buyers.
Is the Citroen e-C3X Worth Buying?
If you have a limited budget and are considering switching to an electric car, the Citroen e-C3X could be an interesting option.
However, buyers should look beyond the headline price and understand the complete cost of ownership before making a decision. In particular, they should check:
- How much will the monthly battery fee be?
- How will the usage-based battery charges be calculated?
- What will the actual total cost be over five years?
A lower upfront price does not necessarily mean a lower overall cost. Depending on the battery subscription and usage charges, the total ownership expense could be significantly different over the long term.
Conclusion
The Citroen e-C3X brings a different approach to India’s growing EV car market. Its ₹6.89 lakh starting price makes it look highly accessible to budget-conscious buyers, while the BaaS model could potentially make electric vehicles easier to purchase by reducing the upfront cost.
If Citroen’s battery plans prove financially attractive for customers, the e-C3X could establish a strong position in India’s affordable EV segment.
The ₹6.89 lakh price tag certainly makes the car look affordable, but the real question is how much it will cost over five years after adding the battery subscription. That is the calculation buyers should pay the most attention to.
