Citroen CZERo Electric Car reviw

The Citroën C-ZERO is a supermini/city car produced by Citroën and is 100% electric powered. It was developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC). Its sister will be marketed by Peugeot as the Peugeot iOn. The differences between the cars will be different exterior and interior styling and a price difference

Description

Peugeot iOn.

The C-ZERO is the French version of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric vehicle, based on the Mitsubishi i a kei car sold in Japan, and is the result of the partnership between PSA and Mitsubishi. After the Peugeot iOn was presented at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the Citroen C-ZERO marks the second part of the marketing of electric vehicles in Europe The C-ZERO expands Citroëns small-vehicle range with a 100% electric car. It is designed to facilitate urban mobility: small size, quick charging and sufficient range for daily commutes

History

Citroën had already tried to produce an electric car in the 1990s; it was a variation of the Citroën Saxo which proved too expensive because the cost of batteries and had limited range, so this initiative did not go beyond the experimental stage (only 5,500 units were sold).[6]

Technical details

Peugeot iOn rear.

] Motor

The C-ZERO has an electric motor which delivers 47 kilowatts or 64 horsepower 3,000 to 6,000 rpm. Its maximum torque is 180 Nm from 0 to 2,000 rpm. The motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries, located in the centre of the vehicle. This technology offers a limited battery weight compared to traditional technologies.

Performance

In terms of performance, C-ZERO has a maximum speed of 130 km/h (81 mph), goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 15s and 37 to 56 mph (90 km/h) in 6 seconds. The range of the car is 130 km (81 mi).[7]

Facilities

The C-ZERO has four seats and a trunk of 166 litres of volume. It offers many feature for comforts and security: power steering, ESP, six airbags, telematics, and independent housing for emergency and air conditioning.

Utilisation

It takes six hours to fully charge the battery with a 220 V electrical outlet. However, via an external 400 V terminal at 125 A, it is possible to recharge the vehicle to 80% in 30 minutes. The car is designed to be easy to use. The driver only has to turn the ignition key and a beep announces the start of the car. It drives like a car with automatic transmission. The gauge to fuel is replaced by an indicator of battery charge

News

After the Peugeot iOn was presented at the last Frankfurt Auto Show, the Citroen C-ZERO marks the second part of the partnership between PSA and Mitsubishi to market electric vehicles in Europe. It will be offered to individuals, companies and administrations and local communities.

The C-ZERO was premiered at the World Exhibition in Brussels in January 2010 and will be launched on the market during the last quarter of 2010, like its sister the Peugeot iOn.

Citroën is continuing its development of electric cars, through its commercial vehicle, the Berlingo First Electric, in cooperation with the manufacturer specialist Venturi. It will be sold before next summer