Having already produced more than 5,500 electric vehicles, Citroën has the experience vital to being a frontrunner in a market segment that is set to grow significantly in the coming years.
Set for launch in last-quarter 2010, the Citroën C-Zero, developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, is the brand's second electric vehicle alongside Berlingo First Electric, developed with Venturi. In France, both these models qualify for the government bonus of 5,000 euros.
AN OFFERING CONSISTENT WITH CITROËN POLICY
Long committed to a policy of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, Citroën, a leading environmental carmaker, is adding the Citroën C-Zero to a range that already features a wealth of environmentally-respectful products.
Current Citroën achievements:
- C3 and DS3 models emitting 99 g/km of CO2 will be available from launch
- More than 30% of Citroën vehicles sold emit less than 120 g/km of CO2
- Widespread application of second-generation Stop & Start system in 2010
- Launch of a full-hybrid vehicle, the DS5, in 2011
- 100% ELECTRIC VEHICLE
The motor is powered by a latest-generation 330-volt lithium-ion battery system comprising 88 50-Ah cells (for onboard energy of 16 kWh) mounted in the centre of the vehicle.
Lithium-ion technology keeps battery weight down compared with conventional technology while offering equivalent performance. It is also resistant to partial charges, which have no incidence on battery longevity.
EASY TO CHARGE, EASY TO USE
Recharging the Citroën C-Zero's batteries is child's play. Owners simply plug the supply cord into a 220-volt socket. A complete charge lasts six hours, while an 80% charge is possible in just 30 minutes using an external station with a single-phase current of 125 A at 400 V, for power of up to 50 kWh.
Using the car is equally simple. When the driver turns the ignition key a beep confirms that the car is running. Citroën C-Zero drives like a regular car with an automatic gearbox.
The traditional fuel gauge is replaced by a battery charge indicator.
PERFORMANCE AND FEATURES FOR PRESENT-DAY NEEDS
Driving today is characterised, in the week, by short journeys of less than 40 km on average, with a full 70% of trips under 30 km.
The Citroën C-Zero is perfectly adapted to the needs of all kinds of companies - including government, local authorities and company fleets - and also to those of private customers looking for a vehicle with exceptionally low running costs. With four real seats (thanks to a 2.55-m wheelbase) and a 166-litre boot, the Citroën C-Zero is impressively quiet to drive and boasts a plethora of comfort and safety equipment. Original-fit features include power steering, ABS, TCS, ESP, power windows, six airbags, air conditioning and an autonomous telematics box for the emergency call system.
A CITY CAR AT EASE ON THE OPEN ROAD
The Citroën C-Zero's compact exterior dimensions, at 3.48 m long, and 9-m turning circle make it a cinch to nip in and out of city traffic. And with a top speed of 130 kph and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 15 seconds and 60-90 km/h in six seconds, along with a range of around 130 km over a standard combined cycle, it is also fully at ease out on the open road. In France, 70% of daily car trips made in the week are under 30 km, for an overall average of 40 km.
