Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Citroen C-Zero electric

The C-Zero made its global debut at this week's Brussels motor show, along with 25 other new Citroens.

If it looks familiar that is because the all-electric C-Zero is based on the micro-electric Mitsubishi i-MIEV as well as sister company Peugeot's iOn.  It goes on sale in Europe later this year and is destined for Australia in mid-2011.

A spokesman for Citroen importer, Ateco Automotive Ltd, Edward Rowe, says the pioneering homologation work that Mitsubishi Australia went through for the i-MIEV could mean a relatively easy path to launch for the Citroen.  "The small car market here is obviously very fluid," Rowe says.

"Because of the joint-venture with Mitsubishi, the C-Zero has some obvious appeal for us and it's something we will keep an eye on."  Rowe is not talking price but he is confident the car will attract strong interest.Mitsubishi has already flagged a $60,000 pricepoint for its micro car but Rowe does not believe a high price is a hurdle.

"I expect that early adopters, who are less price-sensitive, will look at the C-Zero," Rowe says.  "It will attract people who want to make a definitive statement about the environment."

Citroen already has a lot of experience with electric vehicles in Europe.  It already builds commercial electric-powered Berlingos for France and the UK and has built more than 10,000 electric vehicles since 1995.  "Electric vehicles also make a lot of sense in France because most of the power generation is nuclear or hydro electric," Rowe says.

Rowe says the C-Zero will also appeal to the Citroen heartland.  "Most of our sales are in the metro areas, which makes it ideal for that market," he says.  "A our traditional customer base is also concerned about the environment and aware of new technology."

Citroen and Peugeot pioneered diesel-engined passenger cars in Australia long before they became fashionable.  Like the i-MIEV, the C-Zero's permanent magnet synchronous motor is powered by a latest-generation lithium-ion batteries.

The electric motor delivers 47kW and 180Nm, giving the car a top speed of 130km/h and range of more than 130km.  The batteries can be charged by plugging into a conventional household power outlet or via a fast-charging system that gives the car an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.

The C-Zero made its global debut at this week's Brussels motor show, along with 25 other new Citroens.