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Like many manufacturers, the renowned French manufacturer Citroen made the decision to add electric alternatives to many of its existing popular diesel vans, to encourage road users to opt for a more environmentally-friendly driving solution.
The addition of the Citroen E-Relay completes the set for the brand, meaning there is now an electric version of each model in its range, providing road users with the benefit of lower running costs and zero emissions.
However, this doesn’t mean that the Citroen E-Relay is a carbon copy of its diesel counterpart – in fact, there are a number of differences between the two variations that are worth considering.
Some of these changes include a lack of gear lever. Instead, a blank panel is fitted where the shifter should be that features a trio of brushed aluminium push buttons to select Drive, Neutral and Reverse. The other change is down to the right of the steering wheel, where there’s a digital display and buttons that control the cabin temperature. With the removal of the diesel running gear, the standard van’s heater has also gone, so a new system is installed in its place.
While like many electric vehicles, the Citroen E-Relay is slightly more expensive to buy outright than its diesel counterpart, the low running costs and option to buy on finance at Vanaways make it a much more affordable and cost-effective solution.
If you are struggling to decide between the Citroen Relay and the Citroen E-Relay, then keep on reading for an in-depth comparison of the engines, specs, interior and pros and cons of these two impressive vans.
Engines and Spec
The most obvious difference between the Citroen Relay and the Citroen E-Relay is, of course, the engine.
The Citroen Relay offers a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbo Diesel unit featuring Stop & Start (S&S) technology. The BlueHDi 120 produces 120hp and 229lb-ft of torque and the more powerful BlueHDi 140 puts out 140hp and 251lb-ft of torque.
On the other hand, the Citroen E-Relay boasts a fully electric engine, promising lower running costs and zero emissions, as well as a choice of two lithium-ion battery packs, either 37kWh or 70kWh.
That smaller battery offers a WLTP-tested range of up to 73 miles, while the larger pack offers up to 139 miles, which by any measure are pretty modest range figures. Regardless of how big a battery you go for, it won’t impact the loading space as they sit under the floor and don’t encroach on practicality.
Possibly the biggest advantage that the Citroen E-Relay has over its competitors is that it has 50kW rapid charging fitted. This means it’s possible to recharge the battery from 0-80 per cent using a DC power source in just an hour.
However, the electric engine offers only a 90kW motor, which is the equivalent of 122hp and is not far off the entry-level diesel. The pulling power is down on the diesel, though, at just 260Nm versus 310Nm for the diesel so you might find yourself struggling if you want to regularly max out the payload, particularly if your route involves a few hills.
Interior
As for the interior, both the electric and diesel variation have hard-wearing, practical and spacious cabins.
There is a good amount of room for three adults in the cabin, with even the middle passenger getting a decent amount of leg space.
As mentioned earlier, there are a number of other changes inside the Citroen E-Relay compared to its diesel counterpart; there’s a lack of a gear lever. Instead, a blank panel is fitted where the shifter should be that features a trio of brushed aluminium push buttons to select Drive, Neutral and Reverse.
The other change is down to the right of the steering wheel, where there’s a digital display and buttons that control the cabin temperature. With the removal of the diesel running gear, the standard van’s heater has also gone, so a new system is installed in its place.
Both variations offer a touchscreen display, which helps to make the original diesel Citroen Relay feel more modern.
The Verdict/Snap shot
Overall, both the Citroen Relay and the Citroen E-Relay offer a number of benefits which make them strong contenders to consider when looking for a reliable, smooth-driving vehicle.
If you will be regularly taking routes that involve a few hills, then the Citroen Relay might be the best choice for you as it boasts a higher pulling power when compared to its electric counterpart.
However, if you are looking for a quiet, environmentally-friendly vehicle offering zero emissions and lower running costs, then the Citroen E-Relay is a sure choice for you.
The ideal vehicle for you will simply depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you want to see more about what the Citroen Relay and Citroen E-Relay have to offer, check out our catalogue of new vans at Vanaways.
Both the Citroen Relay and Citroen E-Relay are available to buy on finance at Vanaways for an affordable and cost-effective solution.
Contact us here today for more information.
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