Citroën will not be at the next Paris Motor Show. But this, obviously, did not slow down the desire of the manufacturer to offer a concept car. Let’s say right away, in Citroen Oli does not foreshadow any production model. However, he wants to be well established in the real world. And while he is in development for more than two yearsseems oddly echoing the big word that’s been floating around since the energy crisis began: sobriety.
Thus, Citroën decided to make the Oli technical laboratory. Its purpose: to study design methods, materials and technical solutions, to Minimize carbon and energy emissions vehicle throughout its life cycle. Thus, this approach takes into account the resources required to manufacture, use, and then end-of-life the vehicle (recycling, reuse, etc.).
Citroën Oli: an adventurous take on carbon footprint maintenance
A vision that gives Citroën Oli an adventurous look. To start with vertical windshield, which can be surprising on an electric car. Why not optimize aerodynamics at all costs? Citroën explains that this windshield, reminiscent of, for example, the Toyota FJ Cruiser, makes it possible reduce the glass area while maintaining visibility. And a smaller glass surface also means less glass to manufacture (which is energy intensive), less weight to move, but also less greenhouse effect inside and therefore less effort to provide air conditioning in the summer. The same logic, but the opposite effect for windows that are curved. The hood, on the other hand, allows air to be directed toward the roof, creating an air curtain that goes around the windshield wall. The entire body is also made made from secondary raw materials and materials subject to processing.
Citroën Oli is approaching Citroën C3 Aircross dimensions (4.20 m long), but would weigh, according to Citroën, only one ton. All this was facilitated by a bare interior (we will return to this later), as well as a small battery. Citroën says it aims for a range of 400 km and a consumption of 10 kWh per 100 km (half that of most modern electric cars). The calculation is done quickly: the battery is about 40 kWh. This is 10 kWh less than the ë-C4, which is already low by market standards. Increasing autonomy requires speed limited to 110 km/h, and the acceleration was designed to be as smooth as possible. First!
A simplified, redesigned interior that can be redesigned
Inside, there are hints of the Ami chip, especially at door level. To simplify the production process, they are the same on the right and left. The floor is coveredpolyurethane foam derived from the material used for molding the sole of some sneakers. That isolate a little from vibration and noise in the cabin. In addition, this material is easy to wash (in the cabin, drains are also inserted to wash everything with a karcher), and to recycle. Most of the interior is designed to combine as many elements as possible in one material. Therefore, the seats are also made of polyurethane, this time printed in 3D. The idea is to facilitate processingwhich does not waste time and energy on separating too complex elements.
A real Citroën pickup!
Technologies and gadgets reduced to the simplest device. AND single bandage in front of the windshield acts as a central screen and uses the functions of your phone. Bluetooth speakers are removable. No Electric seatsNo electric windows or: they simply open upwards, the curvature obliges. At the back, the same minimalist atmosphere. It is accessed through antagonistic doors: this is often in vogue among concept cars.
Finally, the safe is not alone, since Citroën Oli is a pickup truck, with a trash can. There are reference points everywhere to remind us of Ola’s utilitarian and practical vocation. In addition, the charging socket under the front emblem can also be used connect 220 V equipment using an adapter.
Citroën Oli: what will we see in the series?
So what can we expect from Oli on future production Citroëns? in logotype Firstly. The two chevrons, located in an oval, resemble the very first logo of the manufacturer, which will be applied to all future innovations. further, styling elements. We already recognize a bit of optics inspired by the recently updated C5 Aircross. In two overlapping lines, front and back, this light sign should gradually colonize the rest of the range. The same goes for a more adventurous and serious overall look.
Finally, Citroën announces that it wants to use the knowledge and processes developed for Oli improve the ecological footprint of their products. We can therefore find materials and production methods specific to this concept in the Citroëns of tomorrow.
Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.