Citroen Ami

New times demand new mobility systems. We all know that the future lies in electrified cars and vehicles. A market in the process of expansion that is already beginning to show its head. However, not all electrics make sense. The little ones are the most practical, and if we talk about the little ones, we have to talk about the Citroen Ami.

It is not the first time we hear such a name in Citroën. The original Ami was a multi-purpose family vehicle that was on sale from 1961 to 1979. Little or nothing has to do with the new Ami. A 100% electric vehicle that is considered a quadricycle, and therefore is governed by different regulations than a car.

The first thing is that you do not need a car license to be driven. The AM license is enough to be able to circulate with it if you are over 15 years old. That means that its circulation is restricted to urban areas or areas where the maximum speed does not exceed 50 km/h. And the latest novelty that it introduces is that you can buy online.

Technical characteristics of the Citroën Ami

The simplicity of the Ami is almost captivating. Its design has been conceived to reduce costs as much as possible. Since it is not derived from any other model of the brand, the Citroën Ami uses a single frame. A light and very compact structure that integrates all of its batteries between the two axles.

All panels are the same. The front is the same as the rear, and the same goes for the doors, hence one opens in normal format and the other in suicide format. Its tiny measurements make it ideal for narrow and small environments: 2,41 meters long, 1,39 meters wide and 1,52 meters high. To give you an idea, it is half the size of a normal parking space.

The concept of electric mobility proposed by the Citroën Ami involves only two occupants. A very spacious cabin that gives up all its capacity for two passengers to travel in it. Load capacity cannot be specified because it does not have a trunk, the tailgate does not even open. Citroën has launched a cargo version that eliminates the passenger seat.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Citroën Ami

The simplicity of the Ami reaches all fields and aspects, and that also implies the mechanics. It is a 100% electric model. An urban mobility system designed for young people and short-distance trips. Its entire mechanical range is focused on that concept, and therefore there is only one option available.

As it can be used with an AM card, the benefits of the Citroën Ami are very limited. Presents a electric motor of only 6 kW, which translates into just over 8 horsepower. It's not a lot of horsepower, but you also have to think that it only weighs 471 kilograms. Said motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 5,5 kWh.

With these data, little Ami has a top speed of 45 km/h and an estimated electric range of 75 kilometers, more than enough for a day of urban use. For recharging, there is only one Schuko socket available, a domestic plug that allows the total battery to be recovered in just 3 hours. Discrete data that should not be compared with other affordable electric models such as the Dacia spring.

Equipment of the Citroën Ami

To move around the city you do not need extensive and luxurious equipment. At least that is the idea of Citroën. From the inside the Ami is very spartan. Little more than a steering wheel and a handful of details that take simplicity to a new level, quite reminiscent of the Renault Twizy, although in this case with a closed cabin.

All surfaces are made of plastic, including seats that are hard and uncomfortable. The Citroën Ami dispenses with all luxury and focuses on the basics. It does not offer conventional windows, air conditioning, or radio equipment. Only a small display behind the wheel allows us to know basic driving data such as speed and autonomy.

In terms of equipment, as we have already mentioned, there are not many details left to highlight. The only modern details are a USB socket and a Bluetooth connection, which allow our mobile phone to be the navigator and the car's own sound system. What is worth mentioning is the extensive customization program available.

Citroën Ami on video

Rivals of the Citroën Ami

Citroën wants to break the market by offering a unique mobility system of its kind. As it cannot be classified as a car, we cannot measure its rivals in such a category. That leads us to market for light quadricycles where we can see other alternatives to the little French. Models with a similar ultra-compact concept such as the Aixam, MicroCar, Ligier or even the still present Renault Twizy, one of the first to explore the electric market, although in this case the capacity is for two passengers but not laterally, but longitudinally.

Highlight

urban use
Parking facility
youth focus

To improve

Quality
Benefits
Equipment

Citroen Ami price

Urban, youthful and affordable. The Ami is already for sale in our market. Its production is already underway at the Citroën factory in Kenitra, Morocco. The starting price of the Citroën Ami is 7.790 euros, without offers or promotions. That price corresponds to a basic unit with an exposed steel rim and without customization of any kind. The most expensive of the whole family is the Ami Vibe with exclusive details, its price is offered from 8.950 euros, without offers or promotions.