From concept car to production model in
one year: Citroën has unveiled the Ami electric microcar twelve months after
the debut of the Ami One Concept at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. Only
2.41-meter long, 1.39-meter wide and 1.52-meter high, the Citroën Ami is significantly shorter and narrower than a Smart EQ
Fortwo.
Weighing in at just 485 kg,
including the 5.5 kWh battery, this two-seater is in fact classified as a light
quadricycle, just like the Renault Twizy. Unlike the Twizy, however, the Ami
has a fully enclosed and heated passenger compartment that’s protected from the
elements.
Styling-wise, Citroën’s electric
quadricycle looks more down to earth than the namesake concept. It’s defined by
the double-decker light signature at both ends and asymmetrical doors that open
in opposite directions, making it rather difficult to tell which way the
vehicle is facing. Personalization options will include six colored accessory
packs.
Given its classification, the Citroën Ami
can be driven without a driving license in the European Union from 16 years old
on average (14 years old in France). Thanks to its small size, 7.2-meter turning circle and all-electric propulsion, the Ami is seen a
practical solution for short journeys in cities and a real alternative to
scooters, bicycles, mopeds and even public transportation.
Powered by a 8 HP electric motor,
the Citroën Ami has a top speed limited at 45 km/h. The 5.5 kWh
lithium-ion battery provides a driving range of up to 70 km and
can be charged in 3 hours on a conventional 220 V socket using the on-board
electric cable. The Citroën Ami can also be charged at a public terminal or
Wall Box using a suitable cable.
There are several ways of using the Ami,
with Citroën offering customers the options of buying it, long-term rental or
car-sharing. For those who are interested in buying it outright, the base price
in France is € 6,000 (US$ 6,585) including VAT.
There’s also the option of a long-term
rental contract (48 months) with a monthly payment of € 19.99 (US$ 22) per month
and € 2,644 (US$ 2,900) down. Finally, the Citroën Ami will be part of PSA’s
Free2Move car-sharing service’s fleet with a price of € 0.26/minute (US$ 0.29/min)
on top of a monthly subscription of € 9.90 (US$ 10.90). Citroën will start taking
orders for the new Ami on March 30 in France and a few months later in Spain,
Italy, Belgium, Portugal and Germany. The first deliveries to French customers
are scheduled for June.
