Citroen is set to launch its own version of the electric car Mitsubishi iMiEV.

The new Citroen C-Zero is developed in collaboration with the Japanese carmaker and like the iMiEV, the rebadged model operates on the same 64bhp lithium battery.

The fully electric model produces 180Nm of torque available from 0 to 2,000rpm. With a top speed of 80mph, the C-Zero can accelerate to 62mph in 15 seconds. An overall range of 80 miles means that this little electric car suits most city commutes.

Owners can plug the supply cord into an ordinary household 220-volt socket with a complete charge taking around six hours. An 80 per cent charge is possible in just 30 minutes using a 400V charge.

With four real seats – thanks to a 2.55m wheelbase – and a 166 litre boot, the C-ZERO is comes complete with much of the equipment of any respectable supermini. Standard fit features include power steering, ABS, traction control, ESP, electric windows, six airbags and air conditioning.

Citroen’s electric edition is set to launch in the last quarter of 2010.