Electric Cars: The Basics
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The Citroën Ami Quadricycle
Citroën is a leading French automobile manufacturer, now owned by Netherlands based Stellantis N.V., which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Italian/ American) and Groupe PSA (French). Stellantis owns a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of leading automotive brands, to include, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Jeep, FIAT, Alfa Romeo etc. Previously, Peugeot owned a 89.95% stake in the company. The Citroen electric vehicle (EV) portfolio includes both, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models:
- Citroen C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid
- All-electric Citroen ë-C3
- All-electric Citroen ë-C4
- All-electric Citroen ë-C4 X
- All-electric Citroen ë-Berlingo
- All-electric Citroen ë-Spacetourer
- Citroën C5 X Plug-In Hybrid
- All-electric Citroen Ami
The Citroen Ami battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is an ‘ultra-compact’ EV targeted at city drivers of all ages (in France it is legal from age 14). The pure electric quadricycle comes in two variants, a passenger (Ami) and cargo vehicle (My Ami Cargo). The pure electric car was launched in 2020 and its development has been inspired by the Citroën 2CV and Ami ONE Concept.
The ultra-compact EV has won a number of awards to include the GQ Awards 2021, ‘Technology Award’ in the Auto Express New Car Awards 2021 and WhichEV Awards 2021. Though the city electric car has its limitations in terms of electric range, interior space and top speed, we do believe it has much to offer for the urban driver.
For a start, the average trip in a city is usually a couple of kms and the Ami electric, with a claimed range up to 75 km, can easily meet the requirements for a number of shorter day-to-day journeys within a city. Do keep in mind that an average commute is a mere 20 km!
Moreover, driving on e-mode is much cheaper than using an internal combustion engine. Depending on charging costs, electric driving can be as cheap as 5 cents per km. The EV can be fully charged in 3 hours. Lastly, zero-tailpipe emission electric cars help improve the local air quality in cities and towns, already at dangerous levels of air pollution.
Moreover, given its compact dimensions (length: 2.41 m), the EV further helps reduce traffic and parking congestion in cities. The EV is easy to drive and park in urban centres (turning circle: 7.2 m). Despite the compact dimensions, the ride height for the EV is the same height as other drivers on the road.
Replacing larger (mostly polluting) vehicles from our city roads with smaller zero-tailpipe emission electric vehicles is certainly the future we all deserve! The Renault Twizy, is another ultra-compact EV that is exempt. The single-speed automatic transmission EV has a top speed of 45 km/h, which is more than appropriate given the speed restrictions in cities.
The exterior styling of the EV is like Marmite, you either love it or hate it. The EV is available in three colour packs: Orange, Blue and Grey. The colour packs are delivered with the electric vehicle, to be fitted by the buyer. Apart from the entry-level variant, the electric car is also available in two special editions, the Ami Pop and the Ami Vibe.
Bottom-line, electric cars are good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Compact and easy to drive/ park in congested urban environments (turning circle: 7.2 m) | Limited performance |
| Despite the ultra-compact size, spacious from inside | Limited boot space (63 L) and no infotainment system |
| Good visibility from EV | Can only seat two passengers |
Gallery
The Citroën AMI Quadricycle (credit: Citroen)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | Quadricycle |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | No |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Citroen AMI (from € N/A) |
| Citroen Cargo (from € N/A) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 5.5 kWh |
| Charging: | Up to 3 hours (three-pin domestic plug) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Battery Warranty: | N/A |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1500 |
| Width (mm): | 1500 |
| Length (mm): | 2410 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | N/A |
| Turning Circle (m): | 7.2 |
| Boot Space (L): | 63 (cargo variant: 260 L) |
| AMI Passenger | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 5.5 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 75 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | N/A |
| Charging: | Up to 3 hours (three-pin domestic plug) |
| Top Speed: | 45 km/h |
| 0-45 km/h: | 10 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 6 |
| Horsepower (hp): | 8 |
| Torque (Nm): | N/A |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 471 |
| Colours: | 3 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Longest Range Plug-In Hybrid Electric Cars: Top 5
The continued improvement in the development of electric cars is not limited to only pure electric cars, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). In fact, we have also witnessed improvements for the latest-generation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In particular, increased range and lower emissions.
In the list below of longest-range PHEVs, all EVs have a claimed WLTP e-range over 100 km. Leading the pack is the Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid with an emission-free electric range up to 114 km. In regards to tailpipe emissions, Mercedes PHEVs top the list with tailpipe emissions as low as 13g (CO2/km), significantly lower compared to the conventional petrol or diesel variants!
Though historically, plug-in hybrids have played an important role in the migration from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles to all-electric cars, given the significant improvement in the e-range of pure electric cars, the role of PHEVs has reduced in importance. We can expect this trend to continue, as automotive manufacturers focus on developing and delivering pure electric cars. We at e-zoomed expect plug-in hybrid cars to become redundant in due course.
In general, we recommend buying a pure electric car, however, with those with very limited access to EV charging infrastructure and need to drive long distance on a regular basis, to consider a PHEV. Do keep in mind, for most families, day-to-day driving needs are limited to short journeys i.e. school runs, grocery store, gym, work, high street etc. Most of the latest-generation of pure electric cars can meet this need!
| Brand/ Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Electric Range (WLTP) | Tailpipe Emissions (CO2/km) | Body Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz C Class Plug-In Hybrid | 25.4 kWh | 104 km | 13g (CO2/km) | Estate |
| Mercedes-Benz C Class Plug-In Hybrid | 25.4 kWh | 110 km | 13g (CO2/km) | Saloon |
| Mercedes-Benz S Class Plug-In Hybrid | 28.6 kWh | 101 km | 19g (CO2/km) | Saloon |
| Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid | 38.2 kWh | 114 km | 20 – 18g (CO2/km) | SUV |
| Range Rover Plug-In Hybrid | 38.2 kWh | 112 km | 21 – 18g (CO2/km) | SUV |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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