The third of the motoring world’s electric triplets, the Citroën C-Zero, has been unveiled at the European Motor Show in Brussels.
Sharing its body and powertrain with the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the Peugeot iOn, the C-Zero features the now-familiar permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and litium-ion battery combination.
The system delivers 47kW between 3000 and 6000rpm with an impressive maximum torque of 180Nm available from 0 to 2000rpm. Top speed is 130km/h and 0-100km/h takes bang on 15 seconds.
Other performance numbers from the electric drive system include, umm … zero fuel consumption, zero CO2 emissions and zero engine noise (you can see where the name comes from).
Recharging from a 220-volt socket takes around six hours while the rapid-charge option at 400-volts takes just 30 minutes for an 80 percent “fill”. A full charge will power the C-Zero for up to 128km.
Measuring just 3.48m in length, the C-Zero is suited to tight, congested city driving with a turning circle of nine metres. Comfort is not sacrificed, however, as the roomy interior is equipped with four seats and a 166-litre boot.
Set for launch in Europe in the last quarter of 2010, the Citroën C-Zero is also under consideration for the Australian and New Zealand markets.
