Overview
Following a recent major technical overhaul, the Citroën ë-Relay solidifies its place in the competitive large panel van market. Swapping out its previous, underpowered third-party electric conversion setup for a fully integrated factory-built powertrain by the Stellantis Group, the heavy-duty van shares its core DNA with other large panel vans from Peugeot, Vauxhall, and Fiat. It addresses the lack of range and performance of its predecessor, targeting commercial operators who need zero-emissions travel without sacrificing usability. While its underlying platform remains one of the longest-serving architectures on the market, these extensive electric upgrades make it a highly functional workhorse for heavy operations.
Design
The ë-Relay receives a modernized front that distinguishes it from older variants. It adopts a redesigned, aerodynamic front bumper and a body-coloured grille, engineered to minimize drag and optimize range. The lighting configuration has been upgraded to full LED headlights alongside revised daytime running lights. Sleeker, redesigned rear-view mirrors help smooth the airflow around the vehicle, while the overall aesthetic balances clean commercial utility with updated branding, including an 'ë' emblem stamped on the rear doors.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the utility-driven environment has been thoroughly modernized with a revamped dashboard layout and upgraded seat fabrics. Drivers are greeted by a new multifunction steering wheel and a crisp 7-inch digital instrument cluster that displays crucial information. Taking centre stage on the dashboard is a 10-inch colour touchscreen equipped with built-in navigation, Bluetooth, and wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Conveniences include an integrated wireless charger alongside an optional 230V power socket capable of up to 150W of power.
Performance & Powertrains
The ë-Relay uses a massive 110kWh battery that drives a potent 200kW electric motor. This system sends a substantial 410Nm of instant torque to the front wheels, allowing it to easily pull heavy loads from a standstill. The ë-Relay delivers an impressive range of up to 263 miles on a single charge. Replenishing the large battery is efficient with rapid charging speeds at 150kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge to be completed in around 55 minutes. For overnight charging, an 11kW three-phase onboard charger completes a full 0% to 100% cycle in 12 hours, while upgrading to a 22kW AC charger slashes that to around 6 hours.
Practicality
Because the massive battery pack is integrated beneath the floor, the ë-Relay suffers zero loss in load volume compared to the combustion engine variant. Available across varying body configurations, the load volume ranges from a generous 13 cubic metres to an enormous 17 cubic metres. The load area provides a maximum cargo length of up to 4.07 metres with a wide 1.42-metre width between the wheel arches. Accessibility is supported by a nearside sliding side loading door and unglazed twin rear doors that open up to 270 degrees to fold flat against the van's sides. The heavy-duty layout also permits a maximum payload capacity of up to 1,460kg, which is backed up by standard electronic safety features including Cross Wind Assist, Trailer Stability Control, and rear parking sensors.
Buying
The Citroën ë-Relay is priced from £45,974.17 after Plug-in-Van Grant is applied and VAT excluded. The model lineup is offered L3H2, L3H3, L4H2, and L4H3 sizes, coming packaged with an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery health warranty. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the ë-Relay Panel Van L3H2 4.25T Enterprise. This specific variant maximizes commercial usability by unlocking the vehicle's highest possible payload capability of 1,460kg. The L3H2 dimension strikes an ideal middle ground for general logistics, offering a 13-cubic-metre load capacity and the maximum 263-mile range at a competitive price of £46,424.17 after Plug-in-Van Grant is applied and VAT excluded .