Buying a used Citroen E-Relay
If your commercial fleet or business requires maximum cargo capacity without the stinging penalties of urban emissions zones, a used Citroen e-Relay is one of the most practical electric workhorses on the UK market. At vansales.com, we connect buyers with reliable, thoroughly vetted commercial vehicles across Britain. Below, we break down everything you need to know before securing a used e-Relay, from battery specifications to common pre-purchase checks.
What Is the Citroen e-Relay Known For?
The Citroen e-Relay is best known for delivering uncompromising load volume. Where many electrified commercial vehicles sacrifice valuable cargo space to accommodate heavy battery packs, the e-Relay positions its traction batteries entirely beneath the floor. This means you benefit from the exact same cavernous load bay as the diesel Relay, offering between 8 and 17 cubic metres of cargo volume across multiple panel van lengths (L2, L3, L4) and roof heights (H2, H3).
Early UK iterations of the e-Relay were converted in partnership with electric conversion specialist Bedeo, utilising either a 37kWh or a larger 70kWh battery pack. Later variants introduced factory-fitted 75kWh and 110kWh battery packs. With zero tailpipe emissions, the e-Relay is entirely exempt from the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), the London Congestion Charge, and clean air zones (CAZ) in cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, and Sheffield.
Typical Use Cases and Industries
While the e-Relay is not designed for non-stop cross-country motorway haulage, it excels in regional, suburban, and urban operational cycles. Common sectors and applications include:
- Last-Mile Parcel Delivery: Multi-drop urban couriers benefit from the low cost per mile, rapid off-the-line torque, and effortless two-pedal driving in stop-start traffic.
- Local Trades and Bulky Goods: Joiners, kitchen fitters, and plumbers who carry voluminous, lightweight materials rather than dense aggregate value the massive internal dimensions.
- Local Authorities and Universities: Public sector fleets prioritising green credentials for campus maintenance, refuse collection, and facilities management.
- Appliance and Furniture Retailers: The low load sill and squared-off cargo sides make loading white goods and flat-pack pallets straightforward.
What to Check When Buying a Used Citroen e-Relay
When shopping for a pre-owned electric commercial vehicle, your checklist differs from inspecting traditional internal combustion vans. When viewing a used e-Relay, focus on the following areas:
- Battery State of Health (SoH): Request a certified battery diagnostic report showing the current cell capacity and degradation. A battery retaining 80% or more of its original capacity will deliver predictable range.
- Charging Hardware and Speeds: Check that both the Mode 3 Type 2 cable and standard domestic 3-pin cable are included. Test that the van charges reliably via alternating current (AC) and check if the van is fitted with 50kW direct current (DC) rapid-charging capabilities, which significantly cuts downtime on the road.
- Underbody and Battery Casings: Inspect underneath the vehicle for any signs of scrape marks, dents, or corrosion on the protective battery shielding. Road debris or high kerbing can damage vulnerable high-voltage enclosures.
- Suspension and Tyre Wear: The combined weight of the chassis and high-voltage battery puts extra demand on the suspension components. Look out for cracked leaf springs, worn wishbone bushings, and uneven tread wear across the front and rear tyres.
Common Faults and Watchouts
While electric powertrains have far fewer moving parts than diesel engines, the e-Relay has a few known quirks to monitor:
- 12-Volt Auxiliary Battery Discharge: A weak or failing standard 12V auxiliary battery can cause system boot errors, preventing the main high-voltage contactors from engaging.
- Instrument Cluster and Range Predictor: Early conversion models feature a bespoke digital display mounted in the rear-view mirror or instrument cluster. Check that the display accurately updates remaining range and state of charge without flickering.
- Sliding Door Alignment: Due to regular delivery use, side loading door rollers and rear door hinges can drop, leading to rattles and compromised weather seals.
- Brake Caliper Seizing: Because regenerative braking handles a significant proportion of deceleration, mechanical friction brakes can suffer from light corrosion or sticking calipers if the vehicle has stood idle.
Typical Used Price Ranges in the UK
Depreciation on electric vans makes the used Citroen e-Relay exceptional value for commercial operators compared to buying brand new. Pre-owned prices generally fall into the following brackets (excluding VAT):
- £12,000 to £16,000: High-mileage early models, often fitted with the smaller 37kWh battery pack. Best suited to strictly local runs.
- £16,000 to £22,000: Mid-mileage examples featuring the preferred 70kWh or 75kWh battery packs, typically in L3H2 configuration with good service history.
- £22,000 to £28,000+: Low-mileage, late-plate models with minimal cosmetic wear, maximum battery health, and remaining manufacturer warranty.
Find Your Next Electric Van at vansales.com
Ready to modernise your fleet and slash operating costs? Explore our regularly updated inventory of used Citroen e-Relay vans on vansales.com today to find competitive prices, transparent vehicle histories, and flexible finance options.