The Ami – Citroens £5,000 Electric Vehicle
Image Source Motor Authority
The Ami Origins
The Ami is a tiny electric vehicle from Citroen. The EV is just over 2.4 meters long and sports a top end of 28mph. They’re going to be sold at the low price of £5,000, or £18 per month on a payment plan. The Ami was originally created for France, where their regulations allow vehicles like the Ami to be driven from the age of 14, with no license needed. The EV will be subject to normal car laws in the UK though, so you’ll still need a full license to drive one there. At full speed you have 46miles of range and a typical charge takes about 3 hours.
Image Source electrive.com
The UK’s Car Market
If the EV needs a full license but only travels at 28 mph, why would they bring it to the UK in the first place? Well it was customer demand! The EV was unveiled in France and several countries almost immediately looked at getting spin off versions. However the UK decided they wanted this car after seeing it on Citroen UK media. Over 12,000 people expressed interest in owning one. This was enough of a push for Citroen to bring the small EV to production for the UK. This is exciting news since the car is only available in some limited markets. Brining it to the UK is strong, bold move but ultimately considered the correct one given Britain’s devotion towards heading to a greener future. The centre steering wheel makes it ideal since no right hand drive conversions are needed.
Image Source belfastmedia.com
Why Buy The Ami?
For those who are conscious about the environment there are many electric vehicles around. Some of the fastest and sleekest looking cars are EV’s these days. In fact, there’s an EV counterpart to almost every type of vehicle. So what niches do the Ami fill? The small French car is designed specifically for inner city driving. Ideal for easy parking as well as nipping around town. Plenty of room to fit groceries & a small turning circle (and a small everything really) make this the ideal EV for anyone who lives in a dense urban area where being nimble is more important than the top end speed.
Why Not Buy The Ami?
The Citroen Ami, an electric two-seater car, has some unique features that may make it appealing to some customers, but it also has some drawbacks. Some of the main drawbacks of the Citroen Ami are:
- Limited range: The Citroen Ami has a limited driving range of approximately 75 km (47 miles) on a single charge, which may be insufficient for some drivers.
- Low top speed: The Citroen Ami has a top speed of only 45 km/h (28 mph), which makes it unsuitable for high-speed driving on highways or motorways.
- Limited interior space: The Citroen Ami has a small interior, which may make it uncomfortable for taller drivers or those with more than one passenger.
- Limited storage space: The Citroen Ami has very limited storage space, which may make it difficult to transport larger items or luggage.
- Limited safety features: The Citroen Ami is not equipped with many of the safety features found in larger cars, such as airbags, which could make it less safe in the event of a crash.
- Limited availability: The Citroen Ami is currently only available in select markets, which could limit its accessibility for many customers.
Overall, the Citroen Ami may not be the best choice for customers who require a car with more range, speed, and storage capacity, or who prioritize safety features. However, for short urban commutes or short-distance trips, the Citroen Ami could be a viable option.
