Company Car Drivers to Pay C-Zero in Tax

SLOUGH, UNITED KINGDOM – December 10, 2009: Citroën customers can be amongst the first to enjoy the benefits of tax-free motoring, in 2010 - in a car specifically created as an electric vehicle. Following Alistair Darling’s Pre-Budget Report earlier today, the introduction of incentives for electric vehicles is good news for company car buyers considering the CITROËN C-ZERO, which is due for launch in the last quarter of 2010.

Company car users are now able to pre-order their CITROËN C-ZERO safe in the knowledge that, when it is delivered next year, it will be exempt from company car tax. Customers will also benefit from exceptionally low running costs with C-ZERO achieving a range of around 130km (80miles), over a standard combined cycle, from a single charge using a domestic power supply.

Citroën C-Zero: In More Detail
The CITROËN C-ZERO is a full-electric vehicle powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 47kW or 64bhp EEC from 3,000 to 6,000rpm. Maximum torque of 180Nm is available from 0 to 2,000rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via a single-speed reduction gear.

The motor is powered by a latest-generation 330-volt lithium-ion battery system comprising 88 50Ah cells (for onboard energy of 16kWh), mounted in the centre of the vehicle. Lithium-ion technology keeps battery weight down compared with conventional technology, while offering equivalent performance. It is also resistant to partial re-charges, which have no impact on battery longevity.

Re-charging the C-ZERO's batteries could not be simpler. Owners plug the supply cord into a 220-volt socket. A complete charge takes six hours, while an 80% charge is possible in just 30 minutes using an external station with a single-phase current of 125A at 400V, for power of up to 50kW.

The CITROËN C-ZERO is perfectly adapted to the needs of all kinds of users - including public sector operators, local authorities, smaller businesses and company fleets.

With four real seats - thanks to a 2.55m wheelbase - and a 166 litre boot, the C-ZERO is impressively quiet to drive and boasts a plethora of comfort and safety equipment. Original-fit features include power steering, ABS, traction control, ESP, electric windows, six airbags and air conditioning.

The C-ZERO’s compact exterior dimensions - 3.48m long - and a 9m turning circle, make it a cinch to nip in and out of city traffic. And with a top speed of 130kph (80mph), acceleration from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in 15 seconds and 60-90kph (37-56mph) in 6 seconds, along with a range of around 130km (80miles), over a standard combined cycle, it is also fully at ease out on the open road.

Due to be launched in the last quarter of 2010, the C-ZERO is developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation