I'm here to tell you about a concept car that has caught my attention: the Citroen Oli. This is not your typical electric vehicle. It's a radical, responsible, and optimistic approach to sustainable and affordable family mobility. It's also a fun and versatile companion that can enhance your daily life in many ways. Let me explain why.
The Citroen Oli (pronounced "all-E") is a compact hatchback that looks like a cross between a pickup truck and a skateboard. The Citroen Oli was unveiled as part of the brand's new identity and logo, which is a reinterpretation of the original from 1919. The double chevron oval badge debuted on this concept and will be phased in on future production models starting in mid-2023.
But the Citroen Oli is more than just a design exercise. It's a manifesto of intelligent ideas that challenge the status quo and dare to say "enough" to the excesses of the automotive industry. The Citroen Oli is designed to be as light as possible, as efficient as possible, and as durable as possible. It's also made of recycled and recyclable materials and offers a range of 400 km on a single charge.
How does it achieve all that? Well, let's start with the weight. The Citroen Oli weighs only 1,000 kg, which is about half of what an average electric car weighs today. This is thanks to its innovative structure, which uses a lightweight cardboard honeycomb material that is stronger than steel for the roof and bonnet. The body panels are also identical and interchangeable, reducing costs and using raw materials. The front doors and windows, bumpers, and wheel arches can fit on both sides of the vehicle and vice versa.
The Citroen Oli also has a minimalist interior that focuses on essential features without compromising comfort. The dashboard is made of recycled plastic bottles, and the seats are covered with recycled denim fabric. The air conditioning system is lighter and more efficient, thanks to the 90-degree windshield angle and sloping windows that naturally repel the sun's rays. The entertainment system consists of a smartphone holder and a wireless speaker that can be detached and used outside the car.
The Citroen Oli is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that delivers 136 hp and 260 Nm of torque. It has a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes using a fast charger. The Citroen Oli can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 km/h. It also has a regenerative braking system that recovers energy when decelerating.
But the Citroen Oli is not just a car. It's also a versatile companion that can adapt to your needs and preferences. It has a modular cargo area that can be extended by folding down the rear seats or opening the tailgate. It can carry up to four people or up to 800 liters of luggage. It also has a roof rack that can accommodate various accessories, such as a bike rack, a kayak holder, or a tent.