Electric Citroen Ami to launch in the UK next year

• Will only be available in left-hand drive
• Capable of 46 miles of range and a top speed of 28mph
• On sale next spring with prices likely to start from around £6,000

After much speculation, it has been officially confirmed that the electric Citroen Ami city car will go on sale in the UK in spring next year. The news was confirmed by Citroen CEO Vincent Cobée, who told our sister publication Auto Express that the ultra-compact EV will reach UK roads early next year in left-hand drive.

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Over 13,000 UK buyers have already registered their interest in the Ami and reservations can now be made online for a £250 refundable fee. 

Prices are yet to be confirmed but it's thought that Citroen is aiming to match the price of the Ami on the French market, where the entry-level model starts at the equivalent of £5,945, with the Ami Vibe model starting from £7,119 in euros. It’s expected the Ami will also be available to UK drivers on a range of subscription plans. 

As the Ami is classed as a quadricycle, you’ll have to be over 17 to drive it on UK roads. Also, as it's not a regular passenger car, it doesn’t qualify for the plug-in car grant (PiCG). 

2022 Citroen Ami: electric motor, range and charging 

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The Ami is powered by an electric motor producing 8bhp, meaning it’s only usable in the confines of a city. It boasts a 5.5kW battery, giving it a range of up to 46 miles between charges and its top speed is 28mph. UK spec cars will come with a Type 2 charging adaptor along with a three-pin plug connection. A full charge takes around three hours. 

Design and interior 

The design of the Ami incorporates lightweight materials throughout to help maximise the car’s range, while keeping costs to a minimum. It weighs only 485kg, less than half of a regular Ford Fiesta. It’s just under 2.5m long and boasts a turning circle of only 7.2m, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight city streets. 

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Both the front and rear of the car sport a similar design, with the doors hinged at opposite ends of the car. Fold up windows also feature, saving both cost and weight. 

The Ami is a strict two-seater with no boot, although there is space for a hand-luggage size suitcase in the passenger footwell. A smartphone holder is mounted to the dashboard and a glass roof panel is standard. Full specifications will be revealed closer to the car’s on sale date, with four trim levels expected to be available alongside a commercial cargo model. 

What does it mean for car buyers?

While the Ami may look a slightly niche proposition, it will appeal to those who want to make the switch to an electric car for short trips around town without spending as much as they would on a more conventional electric car. The Ami could be an affordable alternative to public transport for city commuters, as well as a handy second car for those with a more conventional model for longer trips. 

Read our in-depth review of the Citroen Ami here.