Skip advert
Advertisement
Best cars & vans

“Faster manufacturing can bring a new wave of cheap EVs from Europe’s big players”

The Chinese may yet falter: quicker, more efficient production could see prices of European electric cars fall

Opinion – cheap EV manufacturing

Citroen is claiming the new e-C3 supermini will be 25 per cent quicker to build than its legacy small cars. This alone has the potential to cut costs and boost profitability almost overnight – and could signal the dawn of a new wave of affordable EVs.

Manufacturers have been sharing tech for decades. Perhaps the most famous example is the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, which underpinned everything from the sleek Audi TT to the family-friendly Skoda Kodiaq – plus lots more in between. Citroen’s Stellantis parent company is no stranger to the concept, either, with models of all shapes and sizes sitting on common architecture.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But the new cost-effective Smart Car Platform could be a true game changer. If Citroen’s calculations are correct, and it stays true to its initial pricing structure, the e-C3 will be one of the very cheapest electric cars on sale in Britain. More affordable even than the throng of Chinese newcomers – including the excellent MG4 and BYD Dolphin.

Consumers have long moaned about a lack of price parity when it comes to EV vs ICE, but Citroen’s new manufacturing techniques could well be the flickering light at the end of a very long tunnel. This is merely the beginning, too; Stellantis has already confirmed the Smart Platform will underpin the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross – and we’ll likely see it form the basis for countless other value-focused models in the not-too-distant future.

It is, in effect, a licence to print money. If the corporate giant can get the dynamics right – we’ll find out in the spring whether the e-C3 is as cheerful as it is cheap – then there’s nothing stopping them fitting a dinky, retro-inspired body to the versatile chassis and adding a Fiat badge to the nose. Hey presto: you’ve got the next-generation Fiat Panda, with a profit margin even the hardiest bank managers would gawp at.

So here we are. As long as there’s substance to go with the e-C3’s style, and the maker’s claims of reduced complexity ring true, this could be the first in a lengthy line of desirable, affordable, European-built EVs.

Can't wait for a bargain EV? These are the cheapest electric cars on sale right now... 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package
BMW 1 Series render - front

New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package

The all-new BMW i1 will rival the all-electric Audi A3 and new Mercedes CLA when it arrives in 2027
News
28 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025