Citroen ë-Dispatch

ë-Dispatch: The electric van with loads of appeal

Citroën has unveiled a new 100% electric compact van, the ë-Dispatch – part of the manufacturer’s “electrification for all” offensive which will result in the launch of six further electrified models during 2020.

The new 100% electric version of Dispatch offers fleet and business users practical solutions to the challenges of mobility in urban environments – and in rural areas too thanks to the impressive operating range, which is sufficient for most journeys. ë-Dispatch makes it possible for all users to conduct their business in a new way, directly participating in energy transition.

With no compromise in terms of performance and features – which have made Dispatch such a success – ë-Dispatch brings a new dimension in terms of comfort and greater peace-of-mind to all tradespeople:

The operating range suitable for most daily tasks, with 143 miles on the WLTP cycle with a 50 kWh battery and 205 miles on the WLTP cycle with a 75 kWh battery.

It is also more comfortable – with a freedom from vibration and noise, and remarkably smooth handling; and its is eminently drivable.

Crucially for many urban operators, it gives owners freedom to access restricted low emission CO 2 zones.

All in all it builds a package that is less stress to own and drive – but without any compromise of load capacity, which remains unchanged on the combustion engine versions.

Citroën expects to position ë-Dispatch at the top of the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) market, with an offering that is highly adapted to the needs of fleet and business LCV customers. Totally integrated into the Dispatch range, 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. • 205 miles on the WLTP cycle (available with M and XL body styles) fitted with a 75 kWh battery, made up of 27 individual modules.

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 5.1m 3 , makes for an extremely compact van. ë-Dispatch is just 1.90m tall, which means it can go where many competitors cannot, such as underground car parks and shopping centres, etc, but with payloads of up to 1,275kg it has the versatility you need.

On the charge

The charging port is on the left-hand front wing on ë-Dispatch and charging operates when in Park mode. There are three charging modes available:

Home charging, requiring a mode 2 cable (for charging at home, at a place of work or in a car park). Compatible with a standard domestic socket (cable available as an accessory).

Private or public accelerated charging,

needing a ‘Wallbox’ at home and a mode 3 cable. 32A cable (supplied as standard with the vehicle). In this format it charges from 0 to 100% in less than 8 hours (7.4 kW Wallbox).

Super-fast charging at a mode 4 public charging point (cable incorporated into charger).Up to 100 kW. Can charge a 50 kWh battery to 80% in 30 minutes and a 75 kWh battery to 80% in 45 minutes.

The warranty period for the battery is eight years or 100,000 miles (up to 70% battery capacity).

There are three options available:

The lead-in X version, incorporating essential items such as an RD6 MP3 Bluetooth® Radio, electric and heated mirrors, and an electric parking brake.

The Enterprise version – the most flexible model at the heart of the range – includes all equipment from the X version, with the addition of rear parking sensors, air-conditioning, alarm, automatic lights and wipers, 7-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto, and the brand’s Moduwork® dual passenger bench with fold-up outer seat.

The Driver version, made for mile-eaters, includes all equipment of the Enterprise version, plus additional front parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, a Visio Park 180° rear parking camera, 17-inch ‘Curve’ alloy wheels, Citroën Connect Navigation with voice recognition, and a Safety Pack (lane departure warning, speed limit recognition, intelligent speed adaptation, driver attention alert, smart beam headlights and Active Safety Brake).

There’s no compromise on driver amenities, such as storage facility within the cabin. This is cleverly positioned all around the cabin, so that everything is in its place and there is no need to worry.

A few examples: there is a net on the console with electric parking-brake (between the driver’s and passenger’s seats), the lower glovebox is fitted with a jack-plug and 12V sockets, there is a large storage bin under the passenger’s bench-seat and there are cup-holders on the dashboard.

Overall, ë-Dispatch has nearly 100 litres of storage.

On the road comfort is a priority, with variable-stiffness springs and load-dependent variable shock absorbers to dampen bumps and potholes.