The PSA Peugeot Citroën company makes the iON Peugeot electric car, as well at the Peugeot BB1 concept car, and the Citroën C1 ev'ie. The iON is basically the same as the Mitsubishi i MiEV, the C1 ev'ie is a conversion, while the Peugeot BB1 concept car is an original design.
PSA ranks as the number two auto manufacturer in Europe, and number seven in the world. It appears that PSA will begin selling Citreon C-Zero and Peugeot iOn by the end of 2010.
The iON (C-Zero) may be badged as a Peugeot electric car, but it is basically a Mitsubishi i MiEV in drag. The specs for the iON are essentially the same as for the iMiEV.
The iON is a small 4-door sedan, 11.5 feet long. The car weighs in at around 2,100 lbs (about 1000 kg) powered by a 64 hp (47 kW) motor. Energy is supplied from a 16 kWh Li-Ion battery pack. For those counting, that is the energy equivalent of about 1/2 US gallon, or around 2 liters of gasoline. This much energy is enough to propel the car for some 75 miles (130 km) according to the manufacturer. That would be 75 ideal miles.
Recharge is stated in 6 hours with a 220V line, and up to 80% charge within 30 minutes with an optional 50 kW quick charger. The manufacturer also reports an efficiency (energy use) of about 125 watt hours per mile, which is excellent.
Next up is the Citroen C1 ev'ie. The C1 ev'ie is not a manufactured EV, but a conversion of the popular gas powered C1. The C1 is converted to electric by the Electric Car Corporation Plc. The existing gas tank and engine compartment are used to house the new battery packs.
The C1 EV claims a 70 mile (112 km) range and a top end of around 60 mph (96 kph). Yorkshire, UK, is gearing up for EV production perhaps similar to Elkhart Indiana, USA. The C1 could be converted in Yorkshire along with other next generation electric vehicles
Finally, PSA Peugeot has a concept micro car called the BB1.
This EV is only about 8 feet (2.5 m) long, bumper to bumper. The car
is designed for tight intracity mobility and features a turning radius
of just 11.5 feet (3.5 m), LED lamps, rear door access, and no foot
pedals. The looks are unusual; not uncommon for a concept vehicle.
The tiny EV features two 20 hp rear wheel motors which give the car expected good acceleration. Vehicle weight is held to 600 kg (1320 lbs) powered by
two Li-Ion packs for a total range of about 75 miles (120 km). Roof mounted
solar panels power small interior electronics on this Peugeot electric car.
Production
As for production, it appears that the French based Japanese Ion (or some derivative) will be manufactured in Spain. Vigo, Spain is the site for a 400 million euro plant targeted to produce 30,000 to 50,000 units annually. The French Government has placed an order for some 18,000 EV units.
The new EVs are expected to market for some 20,000 Euros ($27,500 US), with agencies like postal firms, freight companies and government ministries as likely first customers.
The Peugeot Velv
One of the coolest designs EV designs we have seen is the Peugeot Velv. It looks like a three wheeler with four wheels. There must be some efficiency since Peugeot claims the Velv uses a mere 85 Watts per mile. That is about one third of what the Mitsubishi iMiev above uses.
Peugeot says the Velv can reach 70 mph with a 100 km / 60 mile range. The car is powered by a 20 kW motor fed by a an 8.5 kWh Li-Ion battery pack. This is one well engineered car.
