Review
“The most remarkable thing about it is how unremarkable it is” is fast becoming an unofficial slogan for the forthcoming C-Zero from Citroën.
On its international launch, Citroën executives repeated the phrase to sum up how easy the car and its core technology should become to consumers who will grow accustomed to a full electric travel solution based around fast recharge and ‘generous’ range in an urban environment when it is launched later this year.
For fleet managers, the selling points will be its zero fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and noise levels.
The 230kg lithium ion battery provides a range of about 90 miles and over its lifetime can be charged 1,500 times.
A full charge takes seven hours. A fast charge function is also available using 400v supply, envisaged to be at non-domestic charging stations, offering 80% capacity in 30 minutes.
From a driving perspective, key factors are the impressive torque from the 64bhp engine at 133lb-ft from start up and the levels of equipment as standard: power steering, ABS, ESP, electric windows, six airbags and air conditioning, plus the eTouch service package offering emergency and assistance calls and Bluetooth.
To drive, simply turn the key, wait for a beep and a green ‘ready’ displayed on the instrument panel.
As in an automatic, the gear lever then goes into the forward position to begin travel.
Battery use is displayed as either dark blue to show it is charging, green indicating an economic driving style and white showing you’re consuming energy.
A Citroën spokesman said sales targets are conservative at “a couple of hundred units” in the first year with the police and utilities the primary target customers.
