The New Citroen C-Zero: A Comprehensive Review

May 23
10:40

2024

Rob Morgan

Rob Morgan

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With the surge in fuel prices, the Citroen C-Zero emerges as a promising solution. This article delves into the details of Citroen's innovative 100% electric car, exploring its features, performance, and potential impact on urban mobility.

Introduction

As fuel prices continue to climb,The New Citroen C-Zero: A Comprehensive Review Articles car manufacturers like Citroen are innovating to reduce reliance on traditional fuel sources. The Citroen C-Zero, a fully electric city car, is a testament to these efforts. Developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), the C-Zero aims to revolutionize urban transportation.

Design and Development

The Citroen C-Zero is a compact super-mini designed for urban environments. Its small size and electric powertrain make it ideal for city commutes. The car boasts a range of 81 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for daily use.

Historical Context

Citroen's journey with electric vehicles isn't new. In the early 1990s, the company introduced an electric version of the Citroen Saxo. However, due to high battery costs and limited range, only 5,500 units were sold. Advances in technology have now made electric vehicles more viable, paving the way for the C-Zero.

Performance and Specifications

The Citroen C-Zero is powered by a 47-kilowatt (64 horsepower) electric motor, delivering 3,000 to 6,000 rpm. The motor is fueled by Lithium-ion batteries located centrally beneath the vehicle, optimizing weight distribution and performance.

Speed and Acceleration

  • Top Speed: 81 mph (130 km/h)
  • 0-62 mph: 15 seconds
  • 37-56 mph: 6 seconds

Charging

  • Standard Charging: 6 hours using a 220V outlet
  • Fast Charging: 80% charge in 30 minutes using a 400V terminal at 125A

Features and Comfort

The Citroen C-Zero is designed with driver and passenger comfort in mind. It includes:

  • Seating: 4 comfortable seats
  • Boot Space: 166 liters
  • Conveniences: Power steering, ESP, air conditioning, electric windows, and keyless go

The car operates like an automatic transmission vehicle, with a battery indicator replacing the traditional fuel gauge.

Cost and Savings

While the Citroen C-Zero has a higher initial cost, estimated around £35,000, the running costs are significantly lower. Charging the vehicle costs approximately £1.50 per 93 miles, translating to 2p per mile compared to 11p per mile for petrol cars.

Financial Benefits

  • Road Fund License: Free
  • London Congestion Charge: 100% discount, saving up to £2,000 annually
  • Parking Discounts: Some London boroughs, like Hackney, offer 100% parking discounts, saving around £1,750 per year

Market Potential

Although the Citroen C-Zero is not yet widely available in the used car market, its future performance will be interesting to observe. Will it set a new standard for electric vehicles in the used car market? Only time will tell.

Conclusion

The Citroen C-Zero represents a significant step forward in electric vehicle technology. With its impressive range, quick charging capabilities, and cost-saving benefits, it is poised to make a substantial impact on urban mobility.

Interesting Stats

  • Global Electric Vehicle Sales: In 2022, electric vehicle sales surpassed 10 million units globally, a 55% increase from 2021 (IEA).
  • Battery Costs: The cost of Lithium-ion batteries has dropped by 89% from 2010 to 2020, making electric vehicles more affordable (BloombergNEF).

References

By embracing electric vehicles like the Citroen C-Zero, we can look forward to a more sustainable and cost-effective future in urban transportation.

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