Carmaker CITROEN and BASF have created an electric car out of cardboard
Citroën has unveiled its new Oli concept car, created in collaboration with the world’s largest chemical concern BASF. According to the French automaker, the novelty represents the future of the brand’s production models in terms of design and technical development.
Inspired by Citroën’s compact electric car Ami, the Oli concept is designed in a larger form factor. As planned by the French, Oli resists heavy electric vehicles loaded with various gadgets. Its curb weight is just 1,000 kg thanks to the use of lightweight recycled materials and a relatively small 40 kWh battery.
Some structural elements are made of honeycomb cardboard panels, which are 50% lighter than steel, yet strong enough to support the weight of an adult. The show car’s original 20-inch rims feature a unique steel-surface design with an aluminum inner rim to further reduce weight.
In the Oli concept, every little thing is thought out. For example, the seats are simpler in design and contain 80% fewer parts than traditional car seats. In general, the interior design looks quite minimalistic, but there was a place for a small horizontal display that displays all information about the battery status, as well as a docking station for a smartphone. But the concept does not have a built-in audio system.
The new Citroën concept draws attention with its unusual silhouette and unconventional fit. At the same time, it is similar in size to modern SUVs – 4.2 meters long, 1.65 meters high and 1.9 meters wide. Oli is built on a fully electric platform and has a range of up to 400 km. Top speed is limited to 110 km/h and charging from 20% to 80% takes just 23 minutes.
Citroën says the Oli should not be viewed as a harbinger of a production car. It is quite possible that it will remain a concept, however, some decisions will subsequently be transferred to the production models of the French brand.
It must be said that Oli was the first car with a new brand logo with larger chevrons and an oval frame.