Citroën to launch C-Zero electric vehicle

It is a full electric vehicle delivering 64bhp from 3,000 to 6,000rpm. Maximum torque of 132lb-ft is available from 0 to 2,000rpm. Top speed is 80mph and 0-62mph takes 15 seconds. The motor is powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery system mounted in the centre of the vehicle.

Citroen C-Zero is due to enter the car market on the last 2010 semester and it is a joint project with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC). This the brand’s second offer addressing electric cars, alongside Berlingo First Electrique, developed with Venturi.

The car has a 330 volts lithium-ion battery, which can be charged within six hours from a classic 220 volts power source. An 80% recharge is possible during the first half an hour as well.

The car’s autonomy is 130 kilometres, reaching a maximum speed of 130 km/h in 15 seconds. Citroen C-Zero is 3.48 metres long and has ABS, ASR and ESP included, alongside electric windows, 6 airbags, a telematic system for the emergency call and air conditioning.

C-Zero will be built by Mitsubishi and will many elements in common with i-MIEV, the model sold in Japan by the Japanese brand, but also with Peuget iOn. Zero fuel consumption, zero CO2 emissions and zero engine noise: with the C-ZERO, CITROËN is broadening its compact electric vehicles range with a 100% electric offering.

The new city car is designed to make urban mobility easier – thanks to its compact dimensions, rapid charge and generous range for day-to-day car journeys. And all of this in a silence that makes occupants forget about the noise of the city. The C-ZERO combines technology and creativity to meet tomorrow’s challenges today.

Having already produced more than 5,500 electric vehicles, CITROËN has the experience vital to being a front-runner in a market segment that is set to grow significantly in the coming years.

Long committed to a policy of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, CITROËN – a leading manufacturer of low CO2 cars – is adding the C-ZERO to a range that already features a wealth of environmentally respectful products.

New C3 and DS3 models emitting 99g/km of CO2 will be available from launch in 2010. More than 30% of CITROËN vehicles sold emit less than 120g/km of CO2. Launch of a full-hybrid vehicle, the DS5, in 2011.

The CITROËN C-ZERO is a full-electric vehicle powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 47kW or 64bhp EEC from 3,000 to 6,000rpm. Maximum torque of 180Nm is available from 0 to 2,000rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via a single-speed reduction gear.

The motor is powered by a latest-generation 330-volt lithium-ion battery system comprising 88 50Ah cells (for onboard energy of 16kWh), 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 re-charges, which have no impact on battery longevity.

Re-charging the C-ZERO’s batteries could not be simpler. Owners plug the supply cord into a 220-volt socket. A complete charge takes six hours, while an 80% charge is possible in just 30 minutes using an external station with a single-phase current of 125A at 400V, for power of up to 50kW.

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.

The CITROËN C-ZERO is perfectly adapted to the needs of all kinds of users – including public sector operators, local authorities, smaller businesses and company fleets – and also to those of private customers looking for a car with exceptionally low running costs.

With four real seats – thanks to a 2.55m wheelbase – and a 166 litre boot, the C-ZERO is impressively quiet to drive and boasts a plethora of comfort and safety equipment. Original-fit features include power steering, ABS, traction control, ESP, electric windows, six airbags and air conditioning.

The C-ZERO’s compact exterior dimensions – 3.48m long – and a 9m turning circle, make it a cinch to nip in and out of city traffic. And with a top speed of 130kph (80mph), acceleration from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in 15 seconds and 60-90kph (37-56mph) in 6 seconds, along with a range of around 130km (80miles), over a standard combined cycle, it is also fully at ease out on the open road.

It features a 166-litre boot, power steering, ABS, traction control, ESP, electric windows, six airbags and air conditioning. Zero fuel consumption, zero CO2 emissions and zero engine noise: with the C-ZERO, Citroën is broadening its compact vehicle range with a 100% electric offering.

www.citroen.com/