Due to popular demand, Citroën has allowed all UK customers to reserve their Ami, with the first deliveries scheduled for spring 2021. More than 13,000 people have registered their interest in the 2.41-meter long quadricycle, which will hit UK shores in left-hand drive guise and – unlike in other European markets – it will require a full driver’s licence to be driven. Starting from September 27, everyone in the UK will be able to reserve an Ami with a £ 250 (US$ 343) refundable deposit. Citroën hasn’t disclosed UK pricing information yet, but it will probably be very close to the € 6,900 (US$ 8,070 / £ 5,890) starting price announced in other European markets. Given its car-sharing oriented design, the Ami could also be available in leasing or short term rental options, making its use more affordable to the masses.
Despite the fact that in European countries you will be able to drive the Ami from around 16 years old (14 years old in France), in the UK a full driving licence is required which means drivers must be over 17. This happened because its 425 kg weight – 485 kg with the batteries – is higher than the 350 kg limit for 16-year-olds in the UK. Citroën won’t make a right-hand drive conversion of the Ami, leaving the UK-spec cars left-hand drive. While this probably happened for cost-efficiency reasons, the French company is stating that it will allow the driver “the benefit of exiting the vehicle kerbside when parking at the roadside in city centres”.
With a tiny 8 hp electric motor and a 45 km/h electronically limited top speed, it’s not like you will be overtaking often, so sitting on the wrong side of the car probably won’t be a serious issue. As for the 70 km range, it will be enough for London’s CBD but even if you need more, the 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery only needs 3 hours to charge from a conventional 220V socket. If you live in the UK and really want a Citroën Ami, you can reserve it here. The first deliveries are expected in spring 2022, and pricing will be announced in the following months. For all of you in the US, Stellantis is planning on bringing the Ami to the United States through its Free2Move car-sharing and rental service as well.
