MEDIA INDONESIA - SEEING the Citroën Oli (all-ë) concept electric car in person was one of PT Indomobil Wahana Trada's (IWT) promises when inviting Media Indonesia to the Citroën Media Paris Trip event on July 17-20 2023. But driving the concept vehicle directly, it becomes a special surprise.

Media Indonesia and a number of journalists also did not miss the opportunity to drive the only vehicle in the world directly on the roof top floor of the Automotive Design Network Stellantis building located in Chem. du Chêne Rond, 78140 Vélizy-Villacoublay, France.

Generally, concept cars are made only to show the real form of a sketch, without the need to be able to function like a full vehicle. Unlike the Citroën all-ë, the concept car that was first introduced in 2022. Everything works as well as a production car, even drives.

The Citroën all-ë is a vision of a family electric car designed to meet the utility of an SUV, and the versatility of an MPV. Citroën Oli is here to break the old trend of bigger, heavier, and more expensive vehicles to become smaller, lighter, cheaper, and ultimately, more efficient and affordable.

All the capabilities of the company's engineers were embodied in a smart and meaningful concept through Citroën's minimalist approach to make it easier to manufacture, cheaper, while still meeting modern standards. For example, a vertical windshield was chosen to reduce the surface area of the glass. In addition to saving material, it also reduces solar heat entering the cabin. Vertical flat glass certainly will not be friendly with the vehicle's aerodynamic factors. To get around this, there is a hole in the location usually occupied by the main light. While the main light itself relies on the Projector LED model in the bumper.

The hole which is surrounded by turn signals as well as the LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) serves to direct the airflow from the front to the hole above the 'bonnet' to divert the airflow so it does not hit the windshield so that the air continues to flow smoothly without obstacles.

In addition to aerodynamics, the 'air curtain' method also creates the same effect as the deflecta components normally installed on SUVs to minimize dirty windshields caused by hitting insects at high speeds.

In keeping with one of its missions as an affordable vehicle while saving weight, all Citroën all-ë components are made light. The panels on the 'bonnet', roof and cover of the pickup body are made from recycled corrugated cardboard in a honeycomb sandwich construction in collaboration with BASF. As a result, the weight is 50% lighter than using steel, but still strong so that this panel can withstand the weight of an adult on it.

The inside is kept simple with the dashboard being a single block housing little more than five climate control switches, two vents, a USB port and a portable Bluetooth speaker attached to the end. The usual digital instruments and infotainment screens are removed, and the car relies solely on the driver's smartphone.

Slim seat with recyclable 3D printed TPU mesh backrest, lightweight open door panels optimized for storage. The floor is made of E-TPU made by BASF which makes it lighter. As a result, the total weight is claimed to be only 1 ton.

This 4.2 meter long concept car is also designed for all purposes, from acting as a family vehicle, to adventure vehicles and work trucks. Just remove the top cover panel, it becomes a mini pickup, and will become a recreational vehicle by removing only the rear glass.

The sharp angle of exit on the side mirror is deliberately applied to make it easy for the driver to see the underside of the vehicle without the need to open the window. Meanwhile, to open the windows, use a system of arms like the side trunk lid mechanism of a bus.

The Oli Concept uses a prototype hybrid steel-aluminum rim, designed to find a beautiful weight-to-price ratio, and bespoke Goodyear Eagle GO tires for Oli. While the bumper is made of polypropylene material with 50% recycled content developed by Plastic Omnium.

Meanwhile, its cruising ability is supported by a 40 kWh battery. Combined with a single efficient electric motor, the Citroën all-ë is claimed to be able to move as far as 400 km with a maximum speed limited to 109 km/hour.

Source: https://mediaindonesia.com/otomotif/598566/memudikan-citroen-oli-satu-only-di-dunia-direct-di-markas-stellantis