C-ZERO, Citroën’s new all-electric four-seater city car based on the i-MiEV (earlier post), will make its world show premiere at the 88^th European Motor Show in Brussels, 14-24 January. The C-ZERO is the brand’s second electric vehicle, after the Berlingo First Electric, developed with Venturi.

The Citroën C-ZERO is a full-electric vehicle powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 47 kW or 64 bhp EEC from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 180 N&iddot;m is available from 0 to 2,000 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via a single-speed reduction gear.

The motor is powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery system comprising 88 50-Ah cells
(for onboard energy of 16 kWh) mounted in the center of the vehicle. The batteries can either be charged by plugging the supply cord into a 220-volt socket or, alternatively, C-ZERO can be charged using a 400-volt supply for an 80% charge in 30 minutes.

On the road, C-ZERO has a top speed of 80 mph, acceleration from 0-62 mph in 15 seconds and a range of around 80 miles over a standard combined cycle. C-ZERO’s 9m turning circle and nimble handling also make it easy to navigate through city traffic.

C-ZERO is set for launch in the last quarter of 2010 and prospective customers can request an exclusive test-drive prior to placing a pre-order at www.c-zero.citroen.com.