The author embarked on a European road trip in the Citroen e-SpaceTourer, a large electric van, to test its capabilities on a family adventure. The vehicle proved to be a fine companion, offering unparalleled practicality with its spacious interior, making it ideal for transporting bikes, scooters, and other bulky items. The single 134bhp electric motor performed well, even in the mountains, and the regenerative braking system helped to harvest energy on downhill stretches.
However, the trip was not without its challenges. The cabin screens unexpectedly stopped working, leaving the author without vital information such as speed and charge level. This issue was eventually resolved by disconnecting and reconnecting the 12-volt battery. Additionally, the limited range of the e-SpaceTourer, which can manage around 130 miles on a full charge, made long-distance travel tedious. Charging on the French autoroute was also a frustrating experience, with long wait times for available chargers and glitchy apps.
Despite these challenges, the author found the e-SpaceTourer to be a pleasant vehicle for road-tripping, with its quiet and fuss-free electric propulsion suiting the big bus and the mountainous terrain. However, the vehicle’s limited grand touring ability and compromised range make it less suitable for long-distance travel. The author also notes that the e-SpaceTourer feels like a diesel van adapted for electric, rather than a bespoke EV bus, and that the infotainment system and Citroen app could be improved.
The author concludes that while the e-SpaceTourer is a great option for family practicality, its EV capabilities are not yet fully developed. The need for more reliable and convenient fast-charging, as well as power-denser batteries, is still a significant barrier to long-distance EV travel. Until these issues are addressed, vehicles like the e-SpaceTourer will remain compromised, making them less viable for families who need to embark on lengthy road trips. Overall, the e-SpaceTourer is a good option for short to medium-distance travel, but its limitations make it less suitable for epic road trips.