Citroen Ami: The Affordable and Eco-Friendly Electric ‘Supercar’ for the City

If you are looking for a cheap and green way to get around the city, you might want to check out the Citroen Ami, a new electric vehicle from the French automaker that is not quite a car but a light quadricycle. The Citroen Ami is a tiny two-seater that can be driven by anyone over 16 years old without a license in some European countries. It has a top speed of 28 mph, a range of 43 miles, and a price tag of just $7,000.

What is a light quadricycle?

A light quadricycle is a vehicle category with lower safety and performance standards than regular cars. This means that the Ami does not have airbags, ABS brakes, or crash test ratings. It also means that it can be parked in spaces reserved for motorcycles and scooters and that it can be charged from a regular household socket in three hours.

The Ami is designed to be an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to public transportation, bicycles, and scooters for urban dwellers who need a personal and protected mobility solution. Citroen says that the Ami is aimed at young people who want to have their own vehicle without the hassle of insurance, maintenance, or parking fees. The Ami can also be rented by the minute or by the month through a car-sharing service called Free2Move.

What does the Ami look like?

The Citroen Ami has a distinctive, minimalist design that reflects its simplicity and functionality. The body is made of plastic panels that are symmetrical and interchangeable, reducing the production costs and the repair time. The doors open in opposite directions, allowing easy access to the cabin. The windows are fixed, except for a small portion that can be tilted manually. The interior is spacious enough for two adults and their luggage and features a digital dashboard, a smartphone holder, and a panoramic roof.

The Ami is powered by an 8-hp electric motor that drives the front wheels. It has a single-speed transmission and a 5.5-kWh battery pack under the floor. The Ami can accelerate from 0 to 28 mph in 9.5 seconds and can travel up to 43 miles on a single charge. The Ami has a turning circle of 23.6 feet, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

The Ami is available in seven colors and four customization options: My Ami Grey, My Ami Blue, My Ami Orange, and My Ami Khaki. Each option comes with different stickers, wheel covers, and interior accessories. The Citroen Ami also has an app that allows the driver to check the battery level, range, charging status, and vehicle location.

Where can you buy or rent the Ami?

The Citroen Ami is currently sold in France, where it costs €6,000 ($7,000) for the base model and €6,900 ($8,000) for the customized versions. The Citroen Ami can also be leased for €19.99 ($23) per month with an initial payment of €2,644 ($3,000). Alternatively, the Ami can be rented through Free2Move for €0.26 ($0.30) per minute or €9.90 ($11) per day.

Citroen plans to expand the availability of the Ami to other European markets in 2023. The company has yet to announce any plans to bring the Ami to the US.

The Citroen Ami is an unconventional and innovative electric vehicle that challenges the traditional concept of a car. It offers a cheap, green mobility solution for city dwellers who value convenience and simplicity over speed and comfort. The Ami may not be a supercar in terms of performance or luxury, but it is certainly a supercar in terms of originality and practicality.

Why is the Ami relevant in today’s electric vehicle market?

The electric vehicle market is growing rapidly around the world as more consumers are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact and save money on fuel costs. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 10 million electric cars were on the world’s roads in 2020, with battery-electric models driving the expansion. In 2021, electric car sales reached another record high despite the pandemic and supply chain challenges.

However, most electric cars are still relatively expensive compared to conventional cars, especially in emerging markets where incomes are lower. Moreover, some consumers may not have access to adequate charging infrastructure or parking spaces for their electric cars, especially in densely populated urban areas.

The Ami addresses these challenges by offering a low-cost and low-maintenance electric vehicle that can be driven without a license and parked in small spaces. The Ami also has a short charging time and a sufficient range for most urban trips. The Ami is not meant to replace conventional cars but to complement them as a secondary or alternative mobility option for city dwellers.

The Ami also reflects the trend of customization and personalization in the electric vehicle market, as consumers want to express their individuality and preferences through their vehicles. The Citroen Ami allows customers to choose from different colors and accessories and modes of ownership or usage, such as buying, leasing, or renting.

The Ami is part of Citroen’s strategy to become a leader in electric mobility in Europe and beyond. The company aims to have 100% of its models electrified by 2025 and to offer a range of electric vehicles that cater to different needs and segments. The Ami is one of the most unique and innovative products in Citroen’s electric portfolio, showcasing the company’s creativity and vision for the future of mobility.