Citroen Joins French EV Revolution With C-Zero City Car; 2010 Production Slated

Striving to keep pace with rival Renault and stablemate Peugeot, France's Citroen has announced plans to launch an electric car late next year.

The Citroen C-Zero, like Peugeot's previously announced iOn EV city car, will be based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric already in production in Japan.

With two all-electric cars coming from PSA Peugeot Citroen and three from Renault in the next three years, France is in line to become the nation's leader in EV offerings.

Citroen said the four-seat C-Zero will use the same power and energy storage system as the i-MiEV, including its lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged in six hours from a domestic outlet or get a charge to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes at special rapid-charge stations.

French automakers are looking at small city cars for their initial electrification projects because most of the country's cars are driven most of the time in cities with narrow streets and limited parking. 

The vehicles don't travel long distances so don't stretch an EV's battery capacity, but do demand the tight turning circles and maneuverability a short wheelbase provides.

The i-MiEv and its French counterparts are just 11.4-feet long and have a 29.5-foot turning circle. A Chevrolet Malibu, in comparison, is almost 16 feet long and has a 40.3-foot turning circle.

Citroen says the C-Zero will be capable of a top speed of 80 miles an hour with a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge.

John O'Dell, Senior Editor

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John O'Dell November 10, 2009, 9:38 AM

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Citroen, France, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Plug-ins and Electric, Renault

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