Citroën C-Zero
| Company type | Car model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën Saxo Electric (concept/limited production) |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Defunct | 2020 |
| Successor | Citroën Ami |
| Products | Electric city car |
| Owner | PSA Group |
The Citroën C-ZERO is a fully electric compact city car produced by Citroën between 2010 and 2020. Created through a collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, it shares its underlying architecture with the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. This model was sold alongside its counterpart, the Peugeot iOn, with distinctions primarily in design elements and pricing strategy. In 2020, the C-ZERO was replaced by the Ami.
Description
The C-ZERO represents Citroën’s French version of Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV, which itself is derived from the Mitsubishi i kei car available in Japan. This joint effort between PSA and Mitsubishi broadened Citroën’s lineup in urban electric mobility by introducing a compact vehicle tailored for city driving. Its business appeal lies in its compact dimensions, fast charging capabilities, and sufficient range for everyday travel. Positioned as a key step into the European electric vehicle market, the C-ZERO complemented the Peugeot iOn after its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
History
In the 1990s, Citroën experimented with an electric variant of the Citroën Saxo, but due to expensive batteries and limited driving range, it remained a niche product with only 5,500 units sold.
Motor
Powered by a 47 kW (64 hp) electric motor, the C-ZERO delivers 180 Nm of torque from zero up to 2,000 rpm. It utilizes centrally placed lithium-ion batteries, which reduce overall weight compared to older battery types.
Performance
The vehicle can reach a maximum speed of , accelerates from 0 to in 15 seconds, and completes a 60–100 km/h sprint in 6 seconds. Its driving range is roughly .
Facilities
Designed to accommodate four passengers, the C-ZERO offers a trunk capacity of 166 litres. Standard equipment includes power steering, electronic stability control (ESP), six airbags, telematics systems, as well as independent emergency and climate control features ensuring comfort and safety.
Utilisation
Charging requires six hours using a standard 230 V outlet or can achieve an 80% charge within 30 minutes via an external 400 V terminal at 125 A. The vehicle operates similarly to an automatic transmission car, with a battery charge meter replacing the traditional fuel gauge for user convenience.
News
Following the Peugeot iOn’s introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Citroën C-ZERO marked the second stage of PSA and Mitsubishi’s collaboration to offer electric vehicles across Europe. Aimed at private customers, corporate clients, and public entities, it was first presented at the Brussels World Exhibition in January 2010 before its market launch later that year alongside the iOn.
Additionally, Citroën is advancing its electric mobility portfolio with the Berlingo First Electric commercial van—developed in partnership with specialist manufacturer Venturi Automobiles—which was planned for release prior to summer.
Safety
Euro NCAP assessments for the C-ZERO reflect typical safety performance for a small hatchback based on its 2011 left-hand drive five-door version:
- Overall rating: 4/5
- Adult occupant protection: 73%
- Child occupant protection: 78%
- Pedestrian protection: 48%
- Safety assist features: 86%
Euro NCAP indicates that since the C-ZERO is essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi i-MiEV sharing identical interior design and safety components, it inherits the same star rating as the i-MiEV.