Hanover, Germany: Citroën is unveiling its new Electric Berlingo at the Hanover Motor Show this month.
The new Electric Berlingo has the various parts of the electric powertrain contained under the bonnet or beneath other areas of the body shell and provides the same load capacity as the standard van.
The two-part battery pack is installed under the vehicle’s flat load deck, so that the load compartment is identical to the one found in the traditionally powered models. With a battery capacity of 22.5kWh, the Electric Berlingo has 106miles (170 km) range. The Electric Berlingo can be charged in two ways: the normal charge mode lasts between 6 and 12 hours, depending on the available current, while the batteries can be charged to 80% of their capacity in 30 minutes in quick-charge mode.
The Electric Berlingo’s motor was developed with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and has a maximum power output of 49kW (67hp) and maximum torque of 200Nm. Its power is transmitted to the front wheels through a speed reducer and a single-ratio gearbox.
The Electric Berlingo will be available with two bodywork options depending on the market: normal and long (4.38m and 4.63m). The load volume can reach 4.1 cubic metres and the maximum weight capacity is 675kg, which are the same as the internal combustion versions.
Scott Michael, Citroën’s head of commercial vehicles and business centre programme, says; “The launch of the new Electric Berlingo at Hanover is exciting news. When it goes on UK sale in the second half of 2013 it will further expand the appeal of Citroën’s advanced LCV range with business customers looking for innovative environmental transport solutions.”
European Commission funds Irish electric vehicle study
Brussels, Belgium; The European Commission is to finance studies to assess fast charging infrastructure to enable deployment of electric vehicles in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The study will assess a fast charging infrastructure to enable operation of electric vehicles in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The European Commission will provide funding for several projects that contribute to reducing the impact of climate change, as part of a wider plan to improve transport infrastructure in the EU. The Commission has selected four transport infrastructure projects, costing €9.37m (£7.48m), that will look into reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. Other projects include green technologies and eco-efficient alternatives for cranes and operations at port container terminals in Italy, Slovenia and Spain.
