Citroen e-Dispatch (2021)

If you are in the market for a medium-sized electric van, then the Citroen e-Dispatch is worth considering. For one thing, it has the longest range in its segment so drivers can expect up to 205 miles in the model with the 75kWh battery. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the e-Dispatch is nearly identical to the Peugeot e-Expert and the Vauxhall Vivaro-e.

The Citroen e-Dispatch is an eye-catching offering, particularly for the price, and for those firms wanting an electric van that is based on the same platform as a diesel-powered sibling, then the e-Dispatch should meet your needs. It’s well-equipped, nice to drive but be aware that the offset driving position can make longer journeys tiresome.

Citroen says

The new all-electric Citroen e-Dispatch offers all the advantages of the combustion-engine versions of Dispatch van in terms of character, dimensions, load volume and payload. This compact van’s move to electric means users have the freedom to access urban centres, while allowing longer periods between charges. It increases driver and passenger comfort thanks to its driveability and acoustics, while helping to reduce CO² emissions. It also offers a plethora of practical equipment for professional users, to improve ease of use in daily life.

Eurig Druce, Citroen UK’s managing director, said: “The new e-Dispatch offers real cost benefits for businesses, whilst at the same time contributing to the future environment with zero emissions. This is another impressive result for our first new-generation electric van.”

Reasons to buy

Since many businesses will now be looking at investing in electric vans, particularly without a hefty price tag, means they should look at the Citroen e-Dispatch which will meet most needs. You’ll need to ensure that you can recharge the battery easily and it’s a good van for regular drops around town. As mentioned, the offset driving position makes long journeys and motorway trips more difficult. The other issue to appreciate is that with the battery located underneath the cargo floor, the e-Dispatch does feel to be on the small side when compared with rivals.

If you like the Citroen e-Dispatch, then consider the Vauxhall Vivaro-e or the Transit Custom PHEV.

Running Costs

There are two battery choices for the Citroen e-Dispatch, a 50kWh choice, or the 75kWh version. The smaller battery will deliver 143 miles of battery power with a payload of 1,226 kg. The larger battery returns 211 miles but with a payload of 1,000 kg. Citroen has used a 100kW motor producing 136 HP and producing torque of 260Nm. Charging the battery from a domestic plug will take 11 hours, but a rapid charger will take 45 minutes to deliver 80% of the battery’s capacity. There are driving modes and the usual setting will be ‘Normal’ to get the best range but be aware that cold weather will have an effect. There’s also eco-mode which slows things down but does extend the mileage when necessary.

Load Space

The Citroen e-Dispatch is available in three panel van bodies- XS, M and XL. The cubic capacity is 4.6 m³, 5.3 m³ and 6.1 m³ respectively. For those vans with the firm’s through-loading bulkhead, there’s 500 cubic centimetres more space. When compared with rivals, the roof is relatively low but there are sliding side doors and rear double doors fitted as standard. The top spec versions have power-assisted remote opening which boosts convenience and owners can add window glass for the rear and side doors.

While the e-Dispatch offers a lower payload than the diesel-powered versions, it’s around 200kgs lower, there is still a one-tonne payload available. One benefit for having an electric van, is that the ‘Power’ driving mode will boost the torque to add extra grunt – though this does affect the battery’s range.

Technology & Safety

There’s a decent list of safety equipment for the Citroen e-Dispatch including speed limit detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assistance and automatic emergency braking. There’s also a blind-spot warning system which helps because there are no wide-angled door mirrors available so blind spot, on each side of the van, maybe an issue.

Drivers also get to enjoy rear parking sensors, automatic wipers and lights, cruise control, black plastic bumpers and steel wheels. Other models feature body-coloured bumpers, alloy wheels, satnav, rear and front parking sensors and an alarm.

Since there are no gears, there’s just a switch for toggling between driving modes and the interior resembles closely the Dispatch – instead of the rev counter, there’s an energy gauge.

Performance

One of the attractions of running an electric van is the total cost of ownership (TCO). It’s here that the Citroen e-Dispatch scores highly against its rivals. It’s also a cheaper van to buy and for those running an EV, they should save around £100 every month on fuel. There are also lower servicing costs, congestion charge exemption and reduced tax.

Around town, both battery choices are good performers and the range in ‘Normal’ mode is what the manufacturer stipulates. Also, travelling at speed on motorways or dual carriageways will see the range dropping.

There’s no doubt that the e-Dispatch is a comfortable cruiser, the acceleration is seamless and when in the cabin, it’s a near-silent experience.