The Citroën’s new C-Zero model braved snow and sub-zero temperatures earlier this month to become the very first all-electric production vehicle to use the Eurotunnel’s shuttle service.
The environmentally-considerate model travelled through the Channel Tunnel as part of a feature for The Sunday Times, in which Nick Rufford and Jason Dawe drove the car from London to Calais and back to Ashford in Kent, a distance of around 100 miles.
The journey was undertaken through some of the worst weather seen in the UK for 20 years. Despite freezing temperatures and thick snow, which stopped many vehicles in their tracks, the C-Zero carried on, passing mile upon mile of stationary traffic in the process.
Nick Rufford, editor of InGear, said: “Jason and I are delighted to be the first passengers through the tunnel in a production electric vehicle. The C-Zero performed admirably, despite the terrible weather conditions, and we were still able to complete our story.”
The C-Zero, so named for its zero fuel consumption, zero CO2 emissions and zero engine noise, is Citroën’s first 100 per cent battery electric car designed to meet the demands of modern day urban driving. Based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the car has a top speed of 80mph, accelerates from 0-62mph in 15.9 seconds and has a range of up to 93 miles per charge. The car’s 9m turning circle and nimble handling also make it easy to navigate through city traffic.
The new Citroën C-Zero is available to lease at £415 per month over 4 years/40,000 miles, including warranty, servicing and maintenance. First deliveries are scheduled for early 2011.
The feature appeared in The Sunday Times’ InGear section on 12th December. A video of the journey is also available at www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/ingearvideo.
