The Citroen C-Zero electric city car has been presented, equipped with a magnetic synchronous motor with 64 hp (or 47 kW) and 180 Nm of torque between 0 and 200 rpm. The synchronous motor works like an induction motor, but off a magnetic field that requires no slip to run, and the C-Zero uses one single-speed reduction grear to send power to the rear axle. The unit is powered by a 330volt lithium ion battery pack for its light weight and durability.

The C-Zero is a joint effort between Citroen and Mitsubishi, and is the French firm’s version of the Mitsubishi iMIEV. Peugeot also has its version, called the iOn. The C-Zero will go into production in 2010 and will join the DS3 and C3 low-emissions versions as part of an effort to reduce CO2 emissions across the range. It will expand to include the first Citroen hybrid, the DS5, in 2011.

The Citroen C-Zero has a range of nearly 130 km, and a top speed of about 130 km/hr as well. It does 0-100 in 15 secs, and has a recharge time of about six hours in a normal 220-volt socket. Using a 400-volt outlet you can get an 80 percent fast charge in just 30 minutes. See the new C-Zero in the pics below, with the video after the jump (it’s a silly video - check out the first C-Zero video here for some better enviro messages).

Citroen C-Zero

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