The e-Berlingo is one of a set of e-LCV triplets produced by automakers in the Stellantis Group.

These vans have been built on a modified version of the conglomerate’s EMP2 platform. Which is the same platform used in the creation of many of the group’s cars. Though they aren’t completely mechanically identical to their passenger vehicle offerings.

The majority of the van’s underpinnings are derived directly from the said EMP2 platform. But Stellantis opted to utilise the rear end structure from the previous generation PF2 chassis. In fairness, it doesn’t appear to have compromised the overall car-like experience of the e-Berlingo.

MPV-esque Looks

Of the three vans, the e-Berlingo looks least like a commercial vehicle. And that is no mean feat, considering the only external differences are to the front fascias. Citroen’s corporate identity gels the best with the rest of the van. It looks less like a cargo van, and more like a people carrier.

Perhaps this illusion would be even better sold should the exposed plastic bumper covers be finished in body colour. Even the side profile doesn’t scream “commercial vehicle”. At first glance anyways.

Brand-Specific Interior

Whilst the general bits and bobs of the vans have all come from the same parts bin, each automaker has had a chance to tailor the cabin to suit their respective design languages. And the e-Berlingo has perhaps the most conventional interior of the trio.

The cluster is where you’d expect it to be (unlike in the i-Cockpit style cabin of the e-Partner), and there’s also no hidden storage compartment like in the Combo-e. There’s also no cruise control stalk, nor any option at all to use said facility.

Otherwise, it is business-as-usual for a van. No fancy materials in the cabin here. Fabric seats and hard-wearing plastic panels guarantee it’d stand up to all the abuse a tradie could throw at it. 

Practical Real-World Range

Throughout our three day test drive with the e-Berlingo, we achieved an average consumption rating that’d translate to about 320 kilometres of range. And this was in your usual, daily commute traffic.

If you plan your lunch stop properly, there should technically be no range anxiety even if you have to spend an entire day doing deliveries around the island. The e-Berlingo charges at a maximum of 100 kW DC, which means a rapid charger will replenish its 50 kWh battery pack in just 30 minutes.

And this overall powertrain efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of power and torque. You’ll find a 134 bhp, 260 Nm electric motor under the bonnet, which drives the front wheels. Coupled with its car-based platform, the e-Berlingo is compliant on the go, and confidence-inspiring in all conditions. 

Work-Life Balance

As is the case with the other two Stellantis electric vans, the e-Berlingo is capable at work, and comfortable once you are done with work. With 3.9 cubic metres of cargo space, plenty of practical cubby holes in the passenger compartment, and a shockingly good overall ride, there aren’t very many commercial vehicles that are as capable as the e-Berlingo (and the Combo-e/e-Partner for that matter).

If you are in the market for a minivan, all you need to really do is ask yourself one question, before heading out and actually buying a Citroen e-Berlingo – is your business ready to go electric?

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