If Peugeot's i0n electric car looks familiar, it's because it is. The all-electric four-door, four-seater is based on the
Mitsubishi i-MiEV and also shares everything but the badges with the
Citroen C-Zero earlier this week.
The i0n is far from Peugeot's first all-electric car, having sold the 106 Electric between 1995 and 2003, and the company is already taking orders for the car ahead of its launch in 12 months' time.
Compact dimensions are a bonus for the i0n, which is just 3.48m long, while the turning circle is a mere 9.0m between the kerbs. These figures mean the i0n is aimed at city driving rather than those who need a car for longer journeys, though an 80mph top speed means it can tackle motorways too.
The 64bhp electric motor is powered by a lithium ion battery that gives a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge. A full charge takes six hours, or a recharging to 80 percent capacity takes only 30 minutes.
There's no word on prices as yet, but Peugeot says the i0n will come with six airbags, ESP traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes, air conditioning and CD stereo.
Alisdair Suttie - 13 Nov 2009