As the van was designed from the outset as a petrol, diesel and electric powered vehicle, the instrumentation and controls are very similar to a petrol/diesel van.
Description
Transmission
The Berlingo électrique is equipped with direct drive transmission. The vehicle is often mistakenly described as having an "automatic" gearbox whereas in reality the very wide power range of the electric motor when compared with the very narrow power band of an Internal Combustion Engine means that more than one gear is unnecessary. The Berlingo électrique has in effect only one forward gear which serves from 0-. The 'gear' stick looks similar to an automatic one but is limited to Drive, Neutral, Reverse and Park.
Ignition operation
The ignition key controls the normal expected functions of accessories, ignition circuit and starting. When the ignition key is momentarily moved to the start position the main traction battery relay is energised which allows the accelerator to move the vehicle as normal. The function of the ignition switch is slightly different from regular cars as only the stop light and the handbrake light are displayed. On other cars all the indicator lights are shown to check bulb condition.
Instrumentation
The large energy meter display shows remaining energy as a percentage and is surprisingly accurate. The good accuracy is provided by the onboard controller monitoring the Amp-hours in and out of the battery rather than the battery voltage. However, the low charge light is operated by the battery voltage. This can mean that the low energy light does not always illuminate at exactly the same percentage charge across different vehicles or even the same vehicle at different times.
Heating
In order to minimise battery usage, a petrol driven heater is fully integrated to vehicle. It typically takes 5 to 10 minutes to warm and provides excellent cabin heating. It takes several minutes for the heater to run down and will therefore continue to operate after the ignition is turned off.
Brakes
Power assisted brakes are supplied as standard. However, because the vacuum supply from the engine in-let manifold that normally supplies the brake servo is not available on an electric vehicle, a dedicated vacuum pump is used. .
Power steering
Power steering is supplied as standard. However, because the continuous rotation of the engine is not available on an electric vehicle, an electric motor is used to power a power steeringhydraulic pump.
Design quirks
When the very powerful regenerative braking is active the brake lights are not illuminated. This can be disconcerting for other drivers who may not notice the van slowing significant without the help of the brake lights. The manual states that with a full blown PSA service terminal, brake light operation during regenerative braking can be set to "on" though, while it is set to "off" by default. The manual does not indicate that removing the charging plug before it is fully charged can illuminate the 'Electrical Fault Light' which stays on until a full trickle charge is performed. This can be quite disconcerting as the manual states the car has to be taken to the dealer to reset the problem. Also, one cannot, or should not, perform a fast charge when it is in this state.
Speed and range
The actual maximum miles per charge is very dependent on the driving style. Specifically the speed. This is because atmospheric drag is non-linear with speed. i.e. increasing the speed by 25% will decrease the range by 36%. To get the most range for any electric vehicle involves driving at the slowest practical speed. Typical ranges are as follows.
Speed
Range Per Charge
56 km/h
96 km
64 km/h
82 km
80 km/h
58 km
96 km/h
48 km
As with any vehicle, driving in the heavy rain increases rolling resistance and therefore decreases the miles-per-gallon for petrol/diesel and reduces the miles-per-charge for electric vehicles. Typically reduction is about 15%.
Availability
Besides in its country of origin, France, the Electrique was made available in at least the following countries.
Sweden
United Kingdom
Denmark
Norway
Belgium
Switzerland
Servicing
The Electrique is a simple vehicle with minimal servicing requirements. Servicing information is available at Battery watering must be done at regular intervals and this can be done either at a dealership or by using a kit provided by a third party. Brush replacement should also be done according to the maintenance schedule, as serious damage will result if it is overlooked.
Common DIY enhancements
The basic Electrique does not come with rear seats or windows. It is common for owners to install a compatible rear seat and rear windows, in countries where this is allowed.
Similar vehicles
The Berlingo électrique is rather similar to the 1992-93 Ford Ecostar, although the Berlingo replaces the older 1991 Citroën C15 électrique. A Peugeot badged version of this vehicle was marketed as the Peugeot Partner Electric. Battery electric versions of the popular Peugeot 106 and Citroën Saxo super-minis were developed. During the time when the Citroën Berlingo Electrique was marketed it had no other comparable goods vehicle rival. Since production ended the Nice Car Company has marketed a mini van and Modec has developed an electric commercial vehicle with a 2 tonne payload.
