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The e-C4 shares its framework, battery pack and electric drivetrain with its sibling models within the parent company -  the Peugeot e2008 and the DS3 Crossback E-Tense. 

That means it has the same 50kWh battery pack, 134bhp electric motor and the ability to charge at up to 100kW on a DC rapid charger. It has a useful WLTP range of 217 miles on a full charge, too, though, as ever, expect a bit less in reality. We’d be wary of tackling over 120 miles without planning a stop for a rapid charge. That might seem like a decent amount compared to rivals like the 40kW version of the Nissan Leaf, but there are 55kW VW ID.3s which go further and cost less. 

There are three driving modes to help you manage your energy, these being Eco, Normal and Sport, but like a lot of these things, it’s best left in Normal unless you’re really playing the distance-to-empty game, or you need a touch more performance overtaking. Unlike most rivals these modes actually change the power output of the motor too, meaning you can swap from the equivalent power of a 1-litre petrol engine to a 2-litre at the press of a button.

Regen in standard drive mode is good, but there’s an additional B mode that increases the 'engine braking' feel and efficiency.  

Battery 

The e-C4 comes with one battery option only - a 50kWh pack that sends drive to the front wheels via a 134bhp motor. A dedicated display in the digital instrument panel shows the battery level gauge or the range, it also giving other information like the energy flow and power indicator. Like most EV rivals you can use these displays to adapt your driving style to get the very best range from the battery. 

Charging

Citroen has equipped the e-C4 with a 100kW on-board charger, which means that if you can find an ultra-fast 150kW or better rapid charger, it’ll charge to 80% in half an hour. There’s also an app that you can use for scheduling charging to off-peak times, checking state of charge and pre-conditioning for frosty mornings - which preserves range. 

If you’re hooked up to a more common 50kW charger, you can expect to get to 80% charge in around 50 minutes. A full charge on a home single-phase wallbox will take 7hrs 15 minutes if you have a 7.4kW unit and 14hrs 30minutes if you have a 3.7kW box. Opt for the 11kW onboard charger (for £300) and that 7hr 15 minute home charge drops to around 5hrs with that 7.4kW unit, however, be warned, that optional 11kW charger is only faster if you’ve three-phase power – Citroen itself admitting this is unlikely on a home charging box – and optioning it will actually slow down the charge rate if you plug in using single-phase power.

A full charge via the granny charger and three-pin socket will take 23hrs and is only recommended in emergencies.