PSA to Unveil New Electric CVs

PARIS – PSA Peugeot Citroen will introduce its new electric delivery vans using Mitsubishi EV powertrains at the Sept. 20-27 Hanover, Germany, commercial-vehicle show.

The vans, versions of the current Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo, will replace electric vans that are based on previous-generation models and converted to electric power by Venturi, a Monaco-based company.

The PSA electric vans won’t be on sale until spring, and prices have not been announced.

Performance is similar to that of the Renault Kangoo ZE commercial van: a range of 106 miles (170 km), top speed of 81 mph (130 km/h) and six to 12 hours recharge time on ordinary European current or a fast charge of 80% full power in 30 minutes. The PSA vans have a 49-kW (67-hp) electric motor, while the Renault motor generates 44 kW (60 hp).

The PSA vans can be configured for one, two or three passengers via foldable front seats. Two lithium-ion battery packs with a total useful charge of 22.5 kWh are located under the floor of the van, and the electric motor and power electronics reside under the hood in place of a conventional engine.

While Renault is committed to renting batteries for its EVs, PSA intends to provide the option of either buying or renting them.

The vans come in regular and stretched lengths, 172.4 ins. (438.0 cm) and 182.3 ins. (463.0 cm), respectively, with a maximum volume of 144.8 cu.-ft. (4.1 cu.-m) and a payload of 1,510 lbs. (685 kg). They will be manufactured at PSA’s plant in Vigo, Spain.

PSA already sells the Citroen C-Zero and Peugeot iOn electric hatchbacks, versions of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.