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

Continue reading: Citroen C-Zero electric city car: environment vs luxury yachts

Citroen’s new electric car C-Zero has been presented in the form of an electric city car which will debut on the market by the end of 2010. The car is based on the Mitsubishi I-Miev, as was the Peugeot iOn, with a slightly different look. The C-Zero is equipped with a 64 hp engine with 180 Nm of torque, and lithium ion batteries with a range of about 130 km. The top speed is 130 km/hr and acceleration to 100 km/hr occurs in about 15 seconds (we must bear in mind this is a city car).

Battery recharge time takes about six hours with a 220V outlet, but 80 percent recharge can also be achieved in just 30 minutes with a dedicated lead. The C-Zero measures 3.48 metres long, with a wheel base of 2.55 metres and a boot measuring 166 litres.

It’s a four-seater, for you and your commuting buddies, and has power steering, ABS, six airbags, electric windows, and air conditioning. No prices have been released, but given the various eco-incentives in Europe, you could look to save up to 5,000 euros. The first video is after the jump.

Continue reading: Citroen C-Zero electric city car presented