Citroen is perpetuating 100 years of innovation and boldness dedicated to the freedom of movement at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, with the presentation of Ami One Concept, a disruptive all-electric ‘object’ that places digital technology at the heart of a new urban mobility experience, offering more freedom and peace of mind.
Since 1919, Citroen’s history has always reflected each era, with non-conformist and revolutionary vehicles that have become icons in the hearts of motorists. At the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Citroen brand is re-inventing itself again, by unveiling its uninhibited take on an urban mobility ‘object’. Just as the 2CV made freedom of movement broadly accessible last century, Ami One Concept frees up urban mobility for everyone with its unique and popular character advocating a new experience.
With this new and unique urban mobility object – a new field of exploration for Citroen as part of its future energy transition program – the brand is aiming to free up individual mobility in the city. Citroen designed Ami One Concept as an alternative to public transport (bus, train etc.) and other modes of transport such as bikes and electric scooters. An ultra-compact (2.50m long) two-seater concept vehicle bringing occupants impressive agility in urban environments, Ami One Concept also conveys robustness through its body styling. The enclosed cabin protects occupants in bad weather. The architecture and design – both informed by the object’s function and usage – enable users to explore a new driving experience within the city. Accessible to all from the age of 16 (European countries average/dependent on legislation), Ami One Concept is for urban customers, with or without a driving license, who share Citroen’s love for the freedom of movement.
Faithful to the brand signature “Inspired by You” and being 100% connected, Ami One Concept is based on a 100% digital ecosystem. It offers an innovative ‘on demand’ customer experience at every step in the process (online presentation, test drive request, service configuration, reservation and delivery), and enables customers to easily choose the period of use most suited to their needs. The digital experience continues with a special mobile app for managing the vehicle and journeys.
A special mobile app for intuitive and simple use
Once the urban mobility object is in the driver’s possession, the mobile app delivers a special dialogue with Ami One Concept. Drivers can freely, and at any time, manage the settings of the on-board apps and extend their customer experience via the smartphone. They can access information remotely (electricity consumption, battery charge etc.) as well as a range of services via Free2Move that make city driving easier (parking space search, geolocation etc.).
For greater ease of use and safety, the app is voice controlled. Drivers can ask to be guided to the closest charging station or reserve a parking space with complete ease. The app notably relies on Free2Move Services, which simplify the customer’s trip by using geolocation to find a car park and parking space, and offering electronic payments. In fact, two apps developed for electric models are of particular interest for customers:
– The Charging Pass enables drivers of electrified vehicles to locate and access electric charging stations compatible with their vehicle. To make choices easier for the customer, Free2Move Services establishes a pre-selection based on three criteria: distance, charging speed and charging price. It displays a default list, but customers can also access a complete map of charging stations. The search may be made by the customer or it may be suggested to them via a notification when the battery charge reaches a critically low level. Once the customer has selected the charging station on their smartphone, the destination is sent automatically to their preferred route planner app (Waze or Google Maps).
Supplementing the Charging Pass, the Trip Planner reassures drivers by suggesting the best route, taking into account the remaining range, the use of the vehicle and the location of charging stations along the way. It can therefore estimate the travel time, including the charging time.
Zero CO2 emissions
Creating a new form of mobility, and responding to current and future environmental issues, Ami One Concept is fully in step with societal changes in the city. Ami One Concept is an all-electric vehicle able to access all areas of the city while respecting the environment and offering low usage costs. Perfectly suited to city life, Ami One Concept reaches a top speed of 28mph (45km/h) with zero CO2 emissions. With a range of 62 miles (100km), Ami One Concept can make numerous city trips, be they for one-off meetings or daily commutes. The lithium-ion battery, stored flat under the floor, is easily charged with an electric cable. Plugged into a public station or a Wallbox, a complete charge takes just two hours. Ami One Concept can also be plugged into a standard socket at home using an extension cable.
Silent to use
Despite its silent 100% electric technology, Ami One Concept has safety at its heart as it is equipped with its own sound signature, developed by the Start-Rec agency with designers from Citroen. The sounds emitted by Ami One Concept reflect all of its personality. It features an original soundtrack mixing male and female voices, worlds away from the digital cliché of the ‘robot’. Firmly setting the vehicle apart, the sound identity, formed by a sequence of notes that change according to speed, also complies with European regulation introduced on 1 January 2019. For safety reasons, all electric vehicles must now be equipped with an artificial sound at low speeds to warn pedestrians of their approach.
A singular mobility object designed for urban driving, Ami One Concept features a cube-shaped body with ultra-compact dimensions. Standing assertively on its specially designed four-spoke 18-inch wheels, and measuring 2.50m long and 1.50m high, Ami One Concept is eminently reassuring. It exudes an impression of robustness and promises top-level agility and maneuverability, as well as the ability to park virtually anywhere.
Ingenious design
Easy and ethical to produce, Ami One Concept has everything it takes to become ‘popular’ in the city. An urban mobility vehicle boasting design, intelligence and economy, it introduces new possibilities through its symmetrical parts. These include identical doors on the right and left, opening in different directions, rear-hinged on the driver’s side for better access and conventionally positioned on the passenger side. There are identical bumpers (partly concealed on the front and open on the rear to display the registration plate); identical wings on both the front and rear; identical panels on the right and left; reversible Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and rear lights on the left and right. There are also four parts to the door mirrors and door handles. Each part of the vehicle body is robust, easy to assemble and high quality. Inside, the cabin is simple with a limited number of materials used and a finish consistent with the intelligent spirit central to the design of the concept.
Exterior design: unique and symmetrical, with a new light signature
The renewed range of Citroen production cars expresses power and harmony through the design of the front end, distinguished by the two-tier light signature introduced in 2013. Ami One Concept modernizes Citroen’s identity with a new light signature that is more refined, graphic and high-tech, directly inspired by the previous CXperience concept car. The new front end keeps the two tiers, subtly brought together by a V-shaped light strip, giving Ami One Concept an expressive front end, enhanced by this elegant styling approach. The DRLs and indicators lend a touch of finesse with their floating structure that sets Ami One Concept apart and makes it immediately recognizable. This design theme also features on the rear lights, boosting brand awareness.
The Orange Mécanique paint, and the 2D logo on the center of the lacquered black surface, enhance its image. Equipped for the city, Ami One Concept also features Dark Grey protective components on the four corners of the body that extend along the sides under the doors. Key styling features aimed at strengthening the vehicle’s protective appearance, these Airbump® components are characteristic of the current Citroen range, and stand out with touches of the Out of the Blue color.
At the rear, Ami One Concept has the same orange color. The tailgate is topped by a broad tinted window. Detached from the body, the lights echo the DRLs at the front, floating on a backlit grooved polycarbonate panel. This design approach reiterates the customizable quarterlight on C3 Aircross Compact SUV. At the front, Ami One Concept is equipped with its Airbump® panels.
Interior design: next generation and Citroen advanced comfort
Ami One Concept is as original inside as it is outside. The cabin’s next-generation design confirms the inspiration from other sectors, promising an eminently comfortable urban drive.
Ami One Concept embodies a modern vision of the Citroen Advanced Comfort® program. In addition to a silent drive and a meticulous approach to the materials used, the cabin is bathed in natural light thanks to large windows all round, including the windscreen, side windows and rear window.
The cabin is spacious and strong on functionality. The designers of Ami One Concept have created an asymmetrical layout for the driver’s seat (on rails) and the passenger seat (fixed). This set-up creates extra shoulder room and ease of movement for both occupants. Ami One Concept invites everyone to tour the cityscape amid an energizing atmosphere. The generous seat cushions and headrests stand out with deep blue fabric inspired by easy-maintenance outdoor furniture, enhanced by orange-colored elastic. The openwork, sculpted appearance of the seat backs showcase the Out of the Blue color on the front, with the Orange Mécanique color on the back. The grey floor mats are soft and functional, and feature the cube patterns found elsewhere on the vehicle.
Ami One Concept scores top marks for storage space too, ingeniously laid out around the cabin. Thanks to the concept’s new architecture, maximum use is made of each and every nook and cranny. At the front, the upper part of the blue door panels is pleasant to the touch. These arm rests are fitted with a soft PVC strap similar to that used on the outside door handles. The straps evoke the world of travel and allude to those originally introduced on C4 Cactus. The lower part of the door panels is home to an elastic-stretched canvas creating a storage space with a ‘beach’ vibe.
The ‘Drive-Pod’ (on the driver’s side) has enabled the Citroen Style teams to create an original storage space on the passenger side for a cabin bag and a handbag. At the rear, a platform accessed via the folding driver’s seat can be used for occasional luggage and is equipped with a Safety Box complete with a fluorescent jacket and warning triangle. All the paneling features two-tone paint with a finely flecked and durable appearance, while the various storage areas are finished in blue.
Exclusive luggage has been created to accompany the concept, including a backpack designed to fit in the storage space in front of the passenger. There is also a specially designed shopping basket and a cylinder-shaped travel bag. These three fashion accessories – developed in partnership with Damien Béal – echo the materials and color themes used throughout the cabin. For Ami One Concept, the artist adapted his techniques and know-how to materials that he generally does not work with, while giving them the same traditional finish as leather.
Ami One Concept technical characteristics:
– Length: 2.50m
– Width: 1.50m
– Height: 1.50m
– Turning circle: 8m
– Weight: 425kg
