Think electric vehicles are a new phenomenon? They were actually quite popular in the very early days of motoring, before petrol power won out.
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1. Citroen Berlingo Electrique (page 1 of 10)
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In modern times, Citroen first marketed its Berlingo Electrique panel-van in 1996. Similar to the mainstream Berlingo in every way apart from its 28 kW motor and battery pack, the Electrique could do almost 60mph and had a range of 59 miles between recharges. It retained all the niceties of the standard van, with power steering and servo brakes, and was as useful, too, with a payload of up 500kg and a generous load-bay area.
A number were sold in the UK, mainly to businesses in London or to local authorities. Production ended September 2005, though specialist retailers continue to re-sell second-hand examples at healthy prices. PSA Peugeot-Citroen also made electric versions of the Berlingo's sister model, the Peugeot Partner, plus a small number of electric Citroen Saxo and Peugeot 106 city cars. Though its EV division was mothballed for a while, it has since been revived: PSA recently announced a new partnership with electric vehicle-maker Venturi to provide 500 Berlingo/Partner vans to the French Post Office.
