Currently reading: Paris motor show 2012: Citroen DS3 Electrum
Citroën bolsters its electric vehicle presence with an all-electric supermini concept

Citroen has unveiled an electric DS3 concept at the Paris motor show. The Citroën DS3 Electrum is a full-electric supermini, which promises "performance consistent with the current DS3".

The estimated range of the new DS3 Electrum is 75 miles. The Citroën is powered by a 17.5kWh lithium ion battery. It feeds two 65kW motors located on the front axle. 

Citroën claims the Electrum can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes from a quick-charging docking station.

This configuration doesn’t compromise cabin or boot space, and makes it possible to electrify existing models without the need for significant re-engineering.

Last month it emerged that production of Citroën's other electric car, the C-Zero had been temporarily halted. Mitsubishi produces the car for PSA, and one of its spokesmen told Autonews Europe that "our production total is lower than what we had originally hoped for".

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Walking 17 September 2012

Electric motors are the

Electric motors are the future it's just unclear to me which decade that will be.  Only purpose built electric vehicles really make the most of what can be achieved.  I'm looking forward to reading about what BMW bring to the real world next year.  Unfortunately I need at least a 5 seater so will still only wait with curiosity as nothing on the market suits me yet.

 

TegTypeR 27 September 2012

Walking wrote: Electric

Walking wrote:

Electric motors are the future it's just unclear to me which decade that will be. 

You are right but the question is not which decade but by which method will they be powered.  Hydrogen fuel cells seem to be the answer and manufacturers such as Hyundai are going a long way to prove that.

Plug in electrics are clearly not the way to go though.

soldi 17 September 2012

Pointless

There is little point to this car.

When you consider that other cars of same size achieve low fuel consumption and emissions, then increase cost and weight of this car make it pointless.

 

A Yaris Hybrid will have just as good CO2 performance (consider how electricity is made & CO2 coming from that), will be significantly cheaper, won't have to have its battery replaced after 5 years and can drive for many more than 75 miles.

Can't help thinking that electric cars are doomed - except the Twizy of course

Flatus senex 17 September 2012

soldi wrote: There is little

soldi wrote:

There is little point to this car.

When you consider that other cars of same size achieve low fuel consumption and emissions, then increase cost and weight of this car make it pointless.

 

A Yaris Hybrid will have just as good CO2 performance (consider how electricity is made & CO2 coming from that), will be significantly cheaper, won't have to have its battery replaced after 5 years and can drive for many more than 75 miles.

Can't help thinking that electric cars are doomed - except the Twizy of course

Agree with you, except you should have included the Yaris and the Twizy, particularly the latter, in the "doomed" category. The DS3 may sell a few examples for urban use on account of its stylistic flair which is an extremely rare commodity in modern motor styling. However its range will be dramatically reduced in cold weather like all BE vehicles.