According to the boss of Citroën, the SUV is not compatible with electric motorization. Vincent Cobée even thinks that the reign of SUVs is already coming to an end.
From urban models to XXL vehicles, SUVs are everywhere. They now constitute a parallel offer to the traditional segments. To the point of representing one in two sales in Europe! However, according to Vincent Cobée, Citroën boss, quoted by Auto Expressthe reign of SUVs will come to an end.
The boss of the firm with herringbone points to an incompatibility between the SUV and the electric, due in particular to the very unfavorable aerodynamics of the adventurers. It thus nibbles many kilometers of autonomy. Vincent Cobée indicates that with the same battery, an SUV can lose 60 to 80 km of autonomy compared to a sedan.
Some brands hide this by installing larger batteries on their fighters. But Vincent Cobée believes that this practice will not always be possible. These models with large batteries, too heavy, could be penalized by taxes. France is also moving in this direction. If the weight penalty spares electric models for the moment, this will certainly change in the years to come. Moreover, the bonus is now limited to vehicles under 2.4 tonnes.
The large electric SUV could therefore be weighed down by regulations. Vincent Cobée also believes that customers will have an awareness, stressing that the drivers of a large 4×4 in town are already frowned upon these days. He also gives this example: would you go to the office with an XXL backpack that you bought for a multi-day hike? With an electric car, it’s the same: do you need a model with a one-tonne battery to just go to work?
The manufacturer illustrated this reflection with the Oli concept car, unveiled in September 2022. This announces a new generation of electric Citroëns, which go back to basics. What is a virtuous circle: less superfluous, it is less weight, therefore a better autonomy with a smaller battery.
Still, the Oli still looks like an SUV, doesn’t it? In fact, Vincent Cobée believes that if the SUV is on the decline, it will influence new vehicle silhouettes. He made these statements at the launch of the C4 X, a new sedan version of the C4, which takes over generous body protection and raised ground clearance from SUVs.
Other brands have also started a similar process. The next large electric model from DS, expected in 2024, will certainly be SUV-type, but with a lower, more aerodynamic silhouette. And if firms do not give up adventurers for their new electric range, they do not turn the page on the sedan. Thus, the first member of BMW’s ambitious Neue Klasse family will be a 3 Series sedan.
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Video test – Citroën ë-C4X: long trunk, but short battery
According to the boss of Citroën, the SUV is not compatible with electric motorization. Vincent Cobée even thinks that the reign of SUVs is already coming to an end.
From urban models to XXL vehicles, SUVs are everywhere. They now constitute a parallel offer to the traditional segments. To the point of representing one in two sales in Europe! However, according to Vincent Cobée, Citroën boss, quoted by Auto Expressthe reign of SUVs will come to an end.
The boss of the firm with herringbone points to an incompatibility between the SUV and the electric, due in particular to the very unfavorable aerodynamics of the adventurers. It thus nibbles many kilometers of autonomy. Vincent Cobée indicates that with the same battery, an SUV can lose 60 to 80 km of autonomy compared to a sedan.
Some brands hide this by installing larger batteries on their fighters. But Vincent Cobée believes that this practice will not always be possible. These models with large batteries, too heavy, could be penalized by taxes. France is also moving in this direction. If the weight penalty spares electric models for the moment, this will certainly change in the years to come. Moreover, the bonus is now limited to vehicles under 2.4 tonnes.
The large electric SUV could therefore be weighed down by regulations. Vincent Cobée also believes that customers will have an awareness, stressing that the drivers of a large 4×4 in town are already frowned upon these days. He also gives this example: would you go to the office with an XXL backpack that you bought for a multi-day hike? With an electric car, it’s the same: do you need a model with a one-tonne battery to just go to work?
The manufacturer illustrated this reflection with the Oli concept car, unveiled in September 2022. This announces a new generation of electric Citroëns, which go back to basics. What is a virtuous circle: less superfluous, it is less weight, therefore a better autonomy with a smaller battery.
Still, the Oli still looks like an SUV, doesn’t it? In fact, Vincent Cobée believes that if the SUV is on the decline, it will influence new vehicle silhouettes. He made these statements at the launch of the C4 X, a new sedan version of the C4, which takes over generous body protection and raised ground clearance from SUVs.
Other brands have also started a similar process. The next large electric model from DS, expected in 2024, will certainly be SUV-type, but with a lower, more aerodynamic silhouette. And if firms do not give up adventurers for their new electric range, they do not turn the page on the sedan. Thus, the first member of BMW’s ambitious Neue Klasse family will be a 3 Series sedan.
Read also
Video test – Citroën ë-C4X: long trunk, but short battery
