We say
Citroen's me-too electric car boasts cod-futuristic design and cheap motoring but questions over battery life, range anxiety and infrastructure remain.
Performance
The C-Zero is powered by a 66bhp or 47kW electric motor which takes its energy from a lithium-ion battery. That battery provides the C-Zero with immediate power meaning all 140lb-ft of torque are available as soon as you apply the accelerator which means it’s nippy off the line. Its 0-62mph sprint time is less impressive at around 15 seconds but you don’t buy an EV with brute force or power.
Emissions
In terms of driving there are no CO2 emissions with the C-Zero but remember that something somewhere has to be burned for you to be able to charge your battery. It’s a complicated and touchy subject is EV emissions but technically speaking there are no CO2 emissions created from driving. According to Citroen a full charge will give a range of just less than 100 miles before it packs in and craves the socket. It takes six hours to recharge fully but to return to 80 per cent charge with a fast charging point takes just 30 minutes.
Driving
The C-Zero is quick and nimble from stationary and at typically urban speeds, its perky and good fun to drive. It’s tall but the heavy battery pack is stored under foot, which lowers its centre of gravity and makes it feel well planted and stable in and about town. Outside of town it’s not so good and it can be terrifying to drive in strong winds on open roads where the only company is lorries and fast-moving traffic. There’s no gearing involved either.
Feel
The C-Zero feels planted and its suspension is soft enough to absorb all that the UK’s pock-marked roads can throw at it. The strangest thing about the C-Zero, and in fact any EV, is the lack of engine noise inside the cabin.
Space
The C-Zero is a tall car despite its compact length and that means there’s plenty of headroom for all passengers. Unfortunately, those in the back will find their knees hunched up against the backs of the front two seats. Boot space is also at a minimum in the French electric.
Equipment
The C-Zero has quite basic levels of equipment and technology with air conditioning, power steering and electric windows coming as standard but not a lot else.
Price
The C-Zero is only available to customers on four-year lease deals worth 60,000 miles. Owners will pay £415 per month for the honour but the contract covers servicing, maintenance and more importantly the battery pack. Running costs are estimated to be just £144 per year based on an annual mileage of 12,000 miles.
Quality
A major hurdle for EVs is the unknown and particular longevity and reliability. The Citroen looks and feels well put together however how long the battery will last and how reliable the drivetrain is are two facts that will only be revealed over a period of time.
Safety
The C-Zero comes fitted with six airbags, emergency brake assist and electronic stability control (ESC) – it is tested against more stringent criteria than normal combustion engine cars.
Pros
The obvious advantage of an electric car is its running costs and emissions.
Cons
Unfortunately the cons still seem to outweigh the pros when it comes to EVs: they’re expensive, relatively untested, have obvious drawbacks like range and lack any real charging infrastructure across the UK.
Alternatives
Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf