French automaker Citroën is reportedly in the testing phase of a further development of its small electric car, the Ami. The upgraded version aims to achieve a top speed of 80 kph, a significant improvement from its previous 45 km/h limit. The anticipated enhancements include a more potent drive system and a larger battery, promising improved performance and extended range.
Currently, both the Citroën Ami and its Opel/Vauxhall counterpart, the Rocks-e, are categorized as L6e vehicles, featuring a power output of 6 kW and a top speed of 45 km/h. Similarly, the recently unveiled Fiat variant, the Topolino, shares these specifications. However, Citroën plans to take a leap forward by utilizing the drive system from the Opel Rocks e-Xtreme for the speedier version of the Ami. This drive system is expected to deliver 12 kW of continuous power, with peak power reaching 25 kW. Additionally, the Ami’s upgraded version will feature a larger 10 kWh capacity battery, compared to the standard model’s 5.5 kWh.
The Opel Rocks e-Xtreme, a unique car stemming from a design competition, was conceptualized by Lukas Wenzhöfer. His winning design showcased a sportier rendition of the Rocks-e, characterized by an externally mounted roll cage and a rear wing. Opel later transformed the design into a one-of-a-kind vehicle, keeping technical modifications to the drive system undisclosed until now.
If Citroën proceeds with the development of the enhanced Ami, it is likely to enter into competition with L7e battery-electric vehicles like the Microlino, the Twizy successor Mobilize Duo, the Silence S04, and the XEV Yoyo. With its improved speed capabilities and larger battery, the upgraded Ami aims to offer consumers a compelling choice for environmentally friendly urban transportation.
As of now, there is no official release date for the faster version of the Ami, and further details on pricing and availability are yet to be disclosed by Citroën. Car enthusiasts and electric vehicle advocates eagerly await the potential unveiling of this upgraded model, which promises to bring new possibilities to the world of compact electric cars.
