Citroen has ditched its all-electric approach to sales of its Berlingo model as a result of “popular demand” for petrol and diesel propelled versions of the MPV.

In a move that seems counterintuitive in a UK automotive sector driving towards a ban on all non-electrified new vehicles from 2030 – and owner Stellantis’ move to make the UK its European base for zero emission van production – the brand has revealed that order books have reopened for internal combustion engine (ICE) Berlingo derivatives.

Production is set to recommence in May, Citroen UK revealed in a statement.

The statement said: “In late 2020, Citroën announced Berlingo would be available exclusively as the all-electric ë-Berlingo Electric.

“While ë-Berlingo Electric has enjoyed considerable success since its launch, customer demand for petrol and diesel variants has persisted.

“With Citroën’s commitment to offering accessible and affordable mobility to all, the brand is now delighted to reintroduce the powertrains to the model range, giving fleets and private buyers a wider choice of vehicles.”

In January 2020 Stellantis brands Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall made their Rifter, Traveller, Berlingo, SpaceTourer, Combo and Vivaro MPVs EV-only with immediate effect.

EV pushback

Last month, European Parliament members approved a proposal which would effectively bring an end to the sale of pure ICE new cars from 2035.

Earlier this week, however, Reuters reported that the German government has formed an alliance with the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia to table a proposed concession which would allow synthetic fuels to keep combustion engines alive.

"The (EU) proposal needs changes urgently," German transport minister Volker Wissing told the news agency. "A ban on the combustion engine, when it can run in a climate-neutral way, seems a wrong approach for us."

Berlingo offering

Petrol and diesel variants will be available in ‘Feel’ and ‘Flair XTR’ in ‘M’ length, at prices starting from £25,590, while the zero-emissions ë-Berlingo continues to be available in ‘M’ and ‘XL’ lengths.

‘Feel’ variants of the Berlingo are now available with a choice of PureTech 110 petrol and BlueHDi 100 diesel engines, with a six-speed manual transmission, or a BlueHDi 130 diesel engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The top-of-the-range, ‘Flair XTR’ models are sold exclusively with a BlueHDi 130 diesel engine with an EAT8 8-speed automatic transmission.

The ë-Berlingo feature a 50kWh battery and a 136PS electric motor, with a WLTP range of up to 174 miles from a single charge.