The Citroen e-C3 Urban Range has become the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) eligible for the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG), with a starting price just under £18,500. This makes it a significant option for buyers looking to enter the EV market.
Grant Eligibility and Pricing
The Urban Range model qualifies for the base Band 2 of the ECG, providing a £1,500 discount. This brings the price down to £18,495 in the Plus trim.
While other EVs like the Dacia Spring Extreme are cheaper upfront (around £1,500 less), they don’t qualify for the grant, making the Citroen the more financially accessible option when incentives are considered.
Range and Charging
The e-C3 Urban Range features a 30kWh battery pack, offering a WLTP-certified range of 130 miles. This is slightly less than the Dacia Spring Extreme (140 miles) and the BYD Dolphin Surf (137 miles).
Crucially, while the Citroen supports rapid charging up to 30kW, this is an optional extra costing £440. Without it, charging is limited to slower 7.4kW AC speeds. The Dacia Spring and BYD Dolphin Surf offer faster DC charging capabilities.
Interior and Standard Features
Despite being the entry-level model, the Urban Range Plus comes well-equipped. Standard features include a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display-style digital dashboard, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and two-tone paintwork.
Context: The ECG and Broader Trends
The ECG scheme has helped over 40,000 EV buyers as of January 2026. The tiered grant system incentivizes manufacturers to price models competitively to qualify for higher funding bands.
The Citroen e-C5 Aircross, for example, qualifies for the top £3,750 grant, bringing its price under £33,000 for a 400+-mile range.
Comparison and Overall Value
The e-C3 stands out as a more substantial car than the Dacia Spring, offering better space for rear passengers and superior build quality.
The availability of the grant makes it a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing affordability and government support. However, prospective buyers should factor in the additional cost of rapid charging if that is a priority.
The Citroen e-C3 Urban Range now represents one of the most accessible entry points into EV ownership, blending price with a reasonable level of equipment and government incentives.
