Citroen e-Dispatch Review

​Range, Battery and Charging

The first generation of vans set an exceptionally high benchmark for the segment with a maximum claimed 205 mile range from a 75kWh battery. More recently, and as battery chemistry and high voltage systems improve, the same size battery is now capable of up to 217 miles. There’s also the option of a smaller 50kWh battery which has a range of 139 miles. A full charge of the large battery tales as little as 45 minutes from just 5% to 80% capacity thanks to a maximum charge speed of 100kW. Using a standard 7.4kW domestic charger will take around 11 hours and 20 minutes. Charing speeds are lower than its main rival, the Ford E-Transit Custom, but battery size and range are almost identical. 

Practicality, Payload and Dimensions

Choice isn’t always abundant in electric vans, but the E-Dispatch manages short- and long-wheelbase models as well as crew cabs with five or six seats. Despite the sizeable 75kWh battery, the E-Dispatch manages a payload of 1,002kg – a reasonable amount for a mid-sized van and around 200kg shy of its diesel equivalent. Load volume is the same as the diesel vans, with the largest long-wheelbase van capable of moving up to 6.6m3. Standard wheelbase vans can move lengths of up to 2512mm with the long wheelbase model adding 350mm, bringing its maximum length to 2862mm. 

Interior, Seating and Technology

In a world where everyone is increasingly turning to AI to do their job for them, Citroen has jumped on the bandwagon with new ChatGPT integration for its voice assistant. It lets you make requests in natural sentences and is part of the 10-inch touchscreen and new 10-inch digital instrument cluster. Smart phone mirroring allows Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for a more seamless media hook-up that’s far better than the standard system. The E-Dispatch is packed with advanced driver assistance systems including automatic headlights, lane keeping, emergency braking and Intelligent Speed Assistance which recognises and advises on speed limits. There’s also the option of a digital rear-view mirror giving a clear view of the road behind as well as down the side of the vehicle. For the more adventurous (or those that want a fighter jet-like experience) there’s also a heads-up display option.  Other features include blind spot warning, front parking sensors and a side detection system which recognises fixed objects like bollards. 

Motors, Performance and Handling

The E-Dispatch gets a 100kW motor, the equivalent of 136hp, producing 260Nm of torque and is paired to a 75kWh battery. Those power and torque figures haven’t changed for the second-generation van and remain exactly the same. As previously mentioned, the driveline had improved overall efficiency, but improvements have also been made to the regenerative braking system to harvest more energy than before. 

With 100kW it’s a powerful enough motor for a van of this size even with a full payload, but it’s definitely not lightning fast. Instead, the instant torque helps the van feel faster than it perhaps is –  a single-speed transmission, forgoing gearshifts, also helps.  

The steering is direct and you’ll find that there’s a good amount of feedback, so it can also be a fun van to drive. It also feel more dynamic than the diesel van because of the low down battery weight. The best attribute (and also the biggest change) is the new regenerative braking system which can be adjusted using steering-mounted paddle shifters. The most severe braking mode is strong enough for one-pedal driving and really slams on the stopping power, but the two other lesser levels give a nice balance amount of braking or a nearly complete coasting mode. 

Running costs, Pricing and Specs

You’ll find that standard levels of equipment are higher in the E-Dispatch than in competitor vehicles with the entry-level Enterprise trim including several of the items you’d expect to find on higher trim levels in a diesel van. Entry-level equipment includes a 10-inch touchscreen, 10-inch digital instrument cluster, manual air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter and rear parking sensors. There’s also twin sliding rear doors for the loadspace. That definitely makes it the best choice, but if you want the higher spec Driver trim it gets full LED headlights, body-colour bumpers with 17-inch wheel trims and power-folding door mirrors as well as satellite navigation and the Dynamic Surround View package on top. 

Prices started from £41,210 without VAT or the PIVG, which is slightly cheaper than its Vauxhall and Fiat stablemates, making it the best value option from the Stellantis range. You 

Verdict

With its new Citroen family front end, the E-Dispatch is a good-looking van that offers a great driving experience, ample load carrying capacity and a high level of equipment. Whether you prefer it to the other vans which are identical but have different badges will come down to taste, deals or your nearest dealer.