CITROEN has announced plans to make all of its vans electric within the next two years.

The initiative sees an all-electric version of the Dispatch due next year alongside the Relay Electric.

Following that will come an electric version of the Berlingo in 2021.

Citroen is now the sixth best-selling LCV manufacturer in Europe and in the UK it commands a 9.8 per cent market share.

The Citroen LCV range will follow the Groupe PSA electrification strategy, whereby all vehicles in its range will feature an electrified derivative in addition to petrol and diesel combustion engines.

This strategy has been devised to give consumers the flexibility to choose their desired model and then the powertrain most relevant to them.

The French company says the electric version of Dispatch is designed for users seeking comfort and peace of mind at the wheel, allowing companies to introduce a new way to do business, conveying a positive image while protecting the environment.

Using the Groupe PSA EMP2 multi-energy platform, this electric version of Dispatch will be offered with two battery sizes, offering different levels of range to suit differing customer needs: 124 miles on the WLTP cycle with a 50kWh battery and 186 miles with a 75kWh battery.

Other benefits will include added comfort with the Dispatch offering a refined drive with limited noise or vibration, extra driveability in electric mode with torque immediately available and no gear changes and peace of mind, with the freedom to drive in ultra-low emission zones, allowing easier access around major cities and the ability to make "last mile" deliveries.

The payload remains similar to Dispatch models powered by a combustion engine and the electric vehicle will also offer reduced whole life costs.

Laurence Hansen, Citroen Product and Strategy Director said: "Citroen is a centenarian brand boasting nearly 90 years of expertise in light commercial vehicles. A leader in the energy transition and inspired by the needs of business customers, Citroen is launching a major product offensive on the electrification of its light commercial vehicle range.

"The objective is to market an electrified version of each of its vans by 2021, benefitting from Groupe PSA's finest knowledge and supplementing the efficient internal-combustion-engine range."

The company added that it intends the Dispatch to become the benchmark in compact vans on the electric market.